Remembering Tunku Abdul Rahman

The move by the National Archives Department to remember the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra on December 15 at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Gallery here brought back a lot of fond memories.

The ceremony to remember Malaysia’s first prime minister 20 years after his death was well received at least by those who attended the memorial that morning.

Many were unaware that Tunku actually left us 20 years ago. He was born on February 8, 1903 and died on December 6, 1990 at the age of 87.

Obviously, this was the only event that could be considered as an official commemoration for Tunku this year. The distinguished leader, who liberated the country together with Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun V.T. Sambanthan and several others, is now only remembered through photographs, personal artifacts and his writings.

The books written by him such as “Looking Back” and “As I See It”, which were penned during his tenure as the chairman of the English daily, The Star (1974-1986), had raised political controversies at that time. In fact, the publication of the newspaper was suspended in 1987 in an executive operation codenamed Ops Lalang.

While admiring the various photographs of the Tunku taken in action or candidly, and looking at his hologram recorded with his speeches and famous quotations, a visitor could feel as though the Tunku was still with the common people who supported and stood by him.

Shouts of “Merdeka” repeated six times at the Merdeka Stadium 53 years ago filled the lobby and the arena displaying the Tunku artifacts at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Gallery, which has now become a historical and archival landmark.

Family members of the Tunku, including Tunku Ahmad Nerang and Tunku Khadijah, were also present to follow the brief programme on that day. The majority of the invited guests comprised those who had known the Tunku well.

Datuk Yusof Latif, his niece Tengku Dr Sofiah Jewa and her husband Dr Yaacob Merican, as well as the Tunku’s acquaintances from the various races were also present at the display area of the gallery.

One could still recall how thousands of people had gathered at the Tunku’s residence at Bukit Tunku on December 6, 1990. From Prime Minister then-Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad right down to an individual named M. Kuppusamy, who had served the Tunku during his independence struggle in Johor Baru in 1951, all paid their last respects to the Tunku on that fateful day.

Tunku died at an age that can be considered advanced, but the prince who cared for the people was not just any leader. He was a national hero whose deeds were invaluable and immense.

He was the founder of the Federation of Malaya, he created Malaysia and he had built the nation. The seed for the 1 Malaysia concept was actually planted during his leadership.

The hundreds of photographs of the Tunku, which were attractively displayed for the event, were partly loaned by The Star, the newspaper that had accommodated Tunku’s writings between 1974 and 1986.

His struggles as a leader, administrator, mover and liberator of the Federation of Malaya in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963 could be said to have filled the various display areas and corners of the archives.

Although many of the photographs and mementos of the Tunku were displayed according to assays in the life of the Tunku, several nostalgic materials still evoked one’s emotion and memory.

The Tunku’s personal iron safe, which was opened for the first time in February 2009, was also displayed; his favourite songs including “Cinta Sayang” sung by Kamariah Noor; violinist Hamzah Dolmat’s records — all presented an intimate description of a Kedah prince who had rendered invaluable contributions to his country.

The Tunku was laid to rest at the Langgar Royal Mausoleum in Kedah 20 years ago. Many people may not remember the Tunku’s passing. In fact, even Umno rarely remembers the distinguished leader in terms of organising special events.

Although time passes and power is passed on to others, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra remains in our memory, at least for those who remember his deeds and struggles. — Bernama