Staying true to Tunku’s vision

I REFER to Wan Saiful Wan Jan’s article, “Tunku Abdul Rahman, the principled statesman” ( The Star, Jan 30). I think it is high time we restore the father of our nation Tunku Abdul Rahman to a rightful, proper and dignified place in our nation’s history.

I consider it a singular privilege to have been one of the 25,000 attendees in Merdeka Stadium on that sunny morning of Aug 31, 1957 for the historic ceremony to proclaim the independence of Malaya. The stadium was packed to capacity and the crowd of Malayans and foreigners present were treated to an impressive ceremony that thrilled this then lower secondary schoolboy to bits.

When Wan Saiful refers to our dear Tunku as a principled statesman, I think he is being modest. I would say that Tunku was also a far-sighted leader for the new nation. Tunku came across as someone of great worth, trustworthy and straightforward.

Tunku knew instinctively what was needed to turn a multiracial country into a truly united nation. He appointed capable individuals to Cabinet positions and let them get on with the tasks entrusted to them.

When he was prime minister, Tunku always said that he was the happiest leader because his people were united and happy. He prided himself with this achievement and Malayans, and later Malaysians, looked up to him as their prime minister.

I therefore heartily applaud the wonderful work of Ideas (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs) which, according to Wan Saiful, is dedicated to injecting Tunku’s ideals into all facets of public policy.

Tunku’s Malaysia is best described as one where liberty, jus- tice, fair play and moderation are the cornerstones of nationhood. For far too long and at a great cost to the nation, we have let silly issues bedevil our country. We should return forthwith to the principles of the Rukunegara.

In remembering Tunku, I am reminded of the fact that it was he who bravely spearheaded the move to get a then apartheid nation expelled from the Commonwealth.

And if I am not mistaken, he was a prime mover in the formation of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC). Tunku also served as its first secretary-general after he stepped down from his prime minister’s post.

We can truly honour the memory of this great man by supporting Ideas’ laudable efforts.

BENEDICT MORAIS Petaling Jaya