Practice and Preach

Tengku Tan Sri Azlan sits down with Tien Chew to discuss life and the purpose of his new book written for Malaysians

Appearing softspoken, calm and cordial in his own abode, the first few minutes spent getting to know Tengku Tan Sri Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar painted him to be a conscientious man who took his time to choose his words. Before meeting with him, I had taken the liberty to familiarise myself with the man himself by reading up his thoughts in his recently released book, Azlan: On Principles. In the book, the good Tengku touches on many subjects, sharing vital principles that individuals should practice and harbour going through life, along with many other aspects of Malaysian life. “I’m a very simple person. I live a simple life, I enjoy simple things and I think that I can get along easily with anybody,” states Tengku Azlan with a chuckle. Once a banker, an ex-broker and an ex-politician, and a fulltime patriot, I quickly learn at the start of my chat with him that this man had a strong sense of national pride. “Politics is a part of everybody’s life today. What I like about politics is that if it is run properly, it would definitely help to develop the country in the right direction,” he says with a reassuring tone. As the conversation moved forward, I also learn that he is a passionate golfer, traveller and someone who enjoys the countryside now and then when he isn’t devoting his time to business endeavours or his time as the chairman of the Kuantan Port Authority. When it comes to his latest achievement, Azlan: On Principles, he informs me that the book is aimed at the Malaysian youth, because he thinks that the youths of today are moving too fast in life, which may result in them neglecting or forgetting certain important principles that they should have within them. He hopes that the book will serve as a guide for them to realise the importance of having a code of ethics along with their rights as a citizen of this country, in order to propel the nation forward in the right direction. Some of the principles discussed in the book include: being responsible, being accountable for your actions and decisions, earning your dreams and desires without expecting it to be given, using your position to benefit others and standing by your principles. Another important lesson passed on from his parents is respect, as he learnt at an early age that it was a quality to be earned rather than to be demanded. “The pursuit of money is a dangerous thing and success isn’t all about money or having a high position. Respect is something to be earned and cannot come from having money or a high status,” says Tengku Azlan. When it comes to his strong sense of patriotism, the humble Tengku admits that it is something born within you. He believes that every Malaysian should be proud of their cultural identity and be able to do something for their family and country. To ensure that he makes the right decisions for himself and the nation, Tengku Azlan turns to the written word, reading biographies of leaders, both local and abroad, to learn of their struggles and triumphs. “The one person that I admire in this century is Mahatma Gandhi, he’s a visionary and is one who becomes powerful out of love. He is simple yet he became one of the greatest men ever,” he says. Over the course of his life, Tengku Azlan’s parents have played a pivotal role in shaping him into the man he is today. Through them he has learned many a lesson on being a capable father, a good son, a model citizen and most importantly, a fine individual.

“Respect is something to be earned and cannot come from having money or a high status”