REMEMBERING TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The move by the National Archives
Department to remember the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra on Dec 15 at the Tunku
Gallery, here, brought back a lot of fond memories.

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

Many were unaware that Tunku had actually left us 20 years ago. He was born on
Feb 8, 1903 and died on Dec 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 his
country together with Abdul Razak Hussein, Tan Cheng Lock, 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,
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 together with the common people
who supported and stood by him.

Shouts of 'merdeka' (independence) 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.

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 Dec 6, 1990. From the prime minister Dr Mahathir
Mohamad right down to an individual named M. Kuppusamy, who had served the Tunku
during his Independence struggle in Johor Baharu in 1951, had all given their
last respects to the Tunku on that fateful day.

Tunku died at the age of 87, 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 1Malaysia stand had actually been 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
many of the 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, who was laid to rest at the Langgar Royal Mausoleum in Kedah, had in
fact left us exactly 20 years ago. In reality, many others may not remember the
Tunku's passing. In fact, even Umno rarely remembered 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