TUNKU STILL THE GREATEST MALAYSIAN Personal Recollections and Reminiscences of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra

• Other Authors: Rais Yatim Dr (Editor)
• Format: Manuscript Book
• Language: English
• Published: Kuala Lumpur National Archives of Malaysia 2012
• Edition: Biography : National government publication : English
• Subjects: Abdul Rahman, > Tunku, Putra Al-Haj, > 1903-1990.; Prime ministers > Biography > Malaysia
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 Exactly one hundred years ago today,a prince was born, whose destiny was to preside over the birth of a new nation. The prince who would become,in his own words,the happiest Prime Minister in the world, nurtured this fledgling multi-ethnic nation through the most difficult early years. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj,born Feb 8,1903, laid the foundations of nationhood that brought the people together as one big family.He was more than just our leader.He was our Bapa. And so we all grieved deeply when he died on Dec 6, 1990,at the age of 87,even though he had long taken his exit from the national centrestage.It has often been said that the hallmark of Malaysia's success is that it has been blessed with the right leaders at the right time.And among our founding fathers,the humble Tunku stood tall in a class of his own. And so today,on the occasion of what might have been his 100th birthday, we pay tribute to our forever-loved Bapa Malaysia.He was born a prince but lived as a commoner. He did not actively seek office, but had responsibility thrust upon him. When he died on Dec 6, 1990, it was no surprise that king and commoner came to pay their respects, and walked the final journey with him through the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Those who were present the following day at the lying-in-state at Parliament House or took part in the funeral procession thereafter would to this day still cherish those last moments with a man who will forever live on in the hearts of all Malaysians. This man, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, if he were alive today, would have been 100.