THERE was something deeply unsettling about how quietly the 123rd birthday of the nation’s Bapa Kemerdekaan passed recently.
Surely our beloved Tunku Abdul Rahman deserves better national reflection and a sustained public discourse.
None of the media made a visible effort to remind Malaysians why his life and legacy still matter.
With due respect to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, the media focus was on applications for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship.
Perhaps they felt it was something newsy.
The minister said applications were opened until April 8 for all Malaysians who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree at local public or private universities in various fields.
He also stressed that the first prime minister’s legacy and philosophy in building a nation-state continued to be central to the National Unity Ministry’s efforts to strengthen unity in a multiracial society that was growing in complexity.
Perhaps I am unfairly expecting more. After all, Tunku was the chairman of Star Publications (M) Sdn Bhd, when the Penang-based newspaper had just started.
I had the privilege of covering many assignments at his residence at Ayer Rajah Road, rightly renamed to Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.
My biggest regret was not to have a personal picture taken with the first PM – remember this was the pre-social media era of selfies and Instagram.
Tunku was a prolific writer, who penned countless books and contributed weekly columns – As I See It – until the age of 85, leaving behind nearly 700 articles to his name.
He would painstakingly write on paper before his secretary typed them on bold letters for him to proofread. In his later years, he would use a magnifying glass.
Sometimes, he would be late to meet the deadlines and kept the editors worried.
On a few occasions, I had to play peon and waited outside his home office.
The cub reporter, as we juniors were called then, always got bullied to do such tasks.
His granddaughter, Datin Seri Sharifah Menyalara Hussein, who now heads the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation, said: “He said that this was his only way to speak up and defend himself after his premiership.”
I had the opportunity of knowing his family and in fact, another one of his granddaughters, Sharifah Intan, who worked as an editor at The Star.
Fast forward to 2026. The importance of Tunku as a revered figure seems to have diminished, giving the impression that he is just another leader mentioned in the history books.
But Tunku did not only lead the nation to independence on Aug 31, 1957, he also built a strong framework of statehood based on democratic values, the rule of law, and unity among its people – principles that remain relevant today, Aaron rightly said in his speech.
“In a multiracial country, Tunku bravely introduced power-sharing and consensus-building, an approach that was ahead of its time. We must think as Malaysians, not as Malays, Chinese, or Indians,” he added.
Aaron said the idea of a nation-state would now be reemphasised by his ministry as a means to unite the country, especially amid social polarisation, differing views and gaps in understanding.
A nation-state, he explained, referred to a sovereign country where its people share a national identity, common values, and a spirit of togetherness as Malaysians, based on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara.
Tunku would be furious if he was alive today, especially at the kind of toxic race and religious politics in Malaysia.
More than ever, we need to amplify the words and thoughts of Tunku as he shaped institutions, identities and the moral compass of the nation.
Anniversaries are not mere ceremonial markers but opportunities to reconnect with history and to measure how far we have travelled from the ideals that once guided us.
When we miss these – either as leaders or journalists – it raises uncomfortable questions about how we value our past and whom we choose to remember.
Remembrance should not be confined to those in power but Tunku was not an ordinary figure. He has a legacy and his anniversary should not be left unnoticed.
It is shameful when we neglect to honour the person who anchored our formative years. Can one imagine South Africa forgetting to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela or if China over-looked Mao Tse Tung on his anniversary?
Tunku’s story needs to be retold over and over again especially to the younger generation to keep multi-ethnic and multi-religious Malaysia on course and he must forever have a place in our public life.
Menyalara, or affectionately called Lara, said: “People often ask which of Tunku’s values I strive to carry forward. My answer has always been his deep sense of purpose in giving back to the nation.
“This conviction was shaped by Tunku’s constant reminders to me, often during meal times and travels, because I travelled quite a bit with him and was lucky to follow him to places.
“Growing up, he was a very loving and caring grandfather.
“He constantly reminded me that whatever path I chose, I carried a responsibility to give back to the country. Well, I did not enter politics, and maybe I should have.
“But, it is this value that continues to guide my service through Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman, a foundation established in his honour to support young Malaysians committed to nation-building. I am very honoured to take on the role of Chairperson, as it allows me to carry forward.’’
Tunku deserved better, and ultimately, so do we.
