‘A MAN OF HONOUR, INTEGRITY’
Sultan Nazrin pays tribute to former PM’s dedication to the country
TUN Abdul Razak Hussein was a man of honour and integrity who not only fulfilled his duties sincerely, but also dedicated the final hours of his life to the country.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, in paying tribute to the second prime minister, said when Razak died, not only did a wife and children lose a husband and father, but Malaysia, its citizens and leaders lost a great statesman who was rich in human nature.
“Razak was prime minister for 1,941 days, a term that is not so long but has left an everlasting memory in the people’s mind and carved in the nation’s history.
“He became the second prime minister of Malaysia on Sept 22, 1970, where he worked with sincerity and dedication during the time he was entrusted with the position,” Sultan Nazrin said at the launch of the book, Fulfilling A Legacy, published by the Tun Razak Foundation in conjunction with its 40th anniversary.
The book is a fitting tribute to Razak as the foundation continues to carry on his legacy.
Written by Shahreen Kamaluddin, it records the foundation’s history, programmes and activities over 40 years, as well as interviews with trustees who had worked closely with Razak.
The trustees spoke of how they remembered him as an extraordinary human being, and an exemplary statesman and leader who was caring, compassionate and had the highest integrity.
Sultan Nazrin said Razak took on the challenges before him and left his legacy for future generations.
He said not only did Razak dissolve the National Operations Council and give the people back the power to choose their government in 1972, he also restored their confidence and support for Umno and the new political coalition called Barisan Nasional.
The Perak ruler said the other legacies Razak left were entrusting Malays and Bumiputeras to lead government organisations and private and corporate bodies; the concept of “Bandarisasi” or urbanisation by developing rural areas with infrastructure such as drainage systems, electricity supply, roads; and methods to develop land in a modern way through Felda (Felda Land Development Authority).
“Felda is synonymous with Razak. Not only did Felda introduce modern agricultural methods for the settlers, it also provided education in the area.
“Education is another legacy he left, where access to knowledge was provided at all levels nationwide with the addition of more boarding schools, colleges and universities.”
Sultan Nazrin, who was accompanied by his consort, Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, was overcome by emotion towards the end of his speech.
Sultan Nazrin also paid tribute to Razak’s wife, Tun Rahah Mohd Noah, describing her as a noble individual who played an important role behind the scenes and was Razak’s source of strength.
Present was the foundation’s chairman Tun Hanif Omar, Rahah, former chief secretary to the government Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid and the first director of the first director of Institut Teknologi Mara, Tan Sri Arshad Ayub.