His government’s tolerance of non-Malays caused friction with Umno’s “ultras” – a term used at the time for Umno members seen to be holding staunch nationalist views.
Among the “ultras” were Dr Mahathir Mohamad, later to become prime minister twice, and Syed Jaafar Albar, known as the “lion of Umno”.
The Tunku’s more inclusive approach after Malaya gained independence was a stark contrast to his outlook before 1957, according to the book “Idealis: Syed Hamid Albar”, a biography of Syed Jaafar’s son, Syed Hamid Albar.
When the Alliance Party was formed in 1952, Tunku Abdul Rahman believed that Malaya was for the Malays and that it should not be governed by a multiracial group.
Malays must also safeguard their rights, he was reported as saying.
However Tunku’s perspectives changed after independence, and he had to reject the notion that Malaya belonged to the Malays.
The book says Tunku appreciated Syed Jaafar’s contribution to the party, despite their conflicting views on Malay rights.
Syed Jaafar was even honoured with the “Songkok Merdeka” award for his role in helping the Alliance win the 1955 general election, the first in Malaya’s history.
“Tunku also backed Syed Jaafar when he opposed Lee Kuan Yew (who would later become Singapore’s first prime minister),” the book read.
Syed Jaafar emerged as Lee’s fiercest critic, when defending the rights and positions of the Malays. Lee had viewed communalism and Malay dominance as a threat to unity.
According to the book, it was Lee who coined the term “ultra” to describe Umno members seen to be holding radical views in defending the special privileges of the Malays and Islam.
The book, written by Noor Hasilah Ismail and Firdaus Zainal, is published by Gerakbudaya. It was launched by Mahathir and is available online as well as from Gerakbudaya and Ilhambooks. - FMT
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