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TUNKU Abdul Rahman celebrated the country’s rich multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious heritage as strengths, not weaknesses. Lesser leaders after the Tunku exploited ethnic tensions to promote themselves and divide citizens. Bapak Malaysia and his unifying philosophy were discarded since 1970.
The Royal Commonwealth Society (KL), on its 60th anniversary, dedicated the Tunku Room to the fond memory of its founding patron.
The Tunku’s bronze bust, cast in 1976 by an unnamed donor, stands like a guardian angel facing the lounge, reminding members and visitors of harmony and goodwill. That has taken an even more urgent significance now, as centrifugal political and religious forces threaten the fabric of a Malaysia for all its citizens.
The Tunku Room dedication was timed with Commonwealth Observance Day. High Commissioners witnessed the commemoration. They gathered later in the ballroom upstairs for the King’s message, read by the British High Commissioner. This ritual of empire started in 1949, with the Queen’s message. RCS (KL) Chairman Kesavan Muniandy presented honorary club memberships to High Commissioners, as a token of fellowship.
Tunku ousted in 1970
The May 13th riot of 1969 was blamed on the Tunku’s even-handed governance by Datuk Seri Harun Idris, chief minister of Selangor, and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, among others. An internal coup elbowed him out. The Tunku’s deputy Tun Abdul Razak, was put in control, to drive a partisan agenda for Malay corporate ownership, business opportunity, and wealth.
Dr Kua Kia Soong’s book on the May 13th riot from declassified documents accessible in the London Public Records Office, after the 30-year secrecy rule, tells a different story. Rather than a spontaneous Malay uprising against Opposition rallies, it pointed to a gathering of martial arts groups, many with white headbands, parangs and sawn-off pipes, in the house of Harun, for a rampage on the fateful May 13.
Published in 2007 by human rights group Suaram, several Umno politicians called for the book May 13: Declassified Documents on the Malaysian Riots of 1969 to be banned. Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi overruled them and allowed it.
Dumped half-century ago
The Commonwealth was abandoned by the UK when it joined the European Union in 1973. The forged Brexit of 2020 could possibly breathe new life into the cobwebs of the Commonwealth – if the distracted UK political leadership shows any interest. The current political leaders and citizens are keen to distance themselves from the colonial legacy. Wokeism nags too. British envoys mouth motherhood platitudes when required.
Financial woes forced the sale in 2013 of the grand RCS London HQ in Northumberland Avenue, for modest offices in Pall Mall. The sale of that heritage asset symbolises the reduced circumstances of the apex RCS. Its irreplaceable library was sold to Cambridge University for desperately needed funds. It continues to ride the flagging momentum of past Commonwealth glory. The RCS London hopes to be relevant by embracing youth, women’s issues, climate change, and ocean stewardship.
Commonwealth House in Kuala Lumpur by contrast, is surprisingly energetic. It is probably the only RCS branch (of 56 worldwide) that owns a club in prime location, with ballroom, function rooms, multiple sporting and bar facilities, full F&B, swimming pool, and 9-room accommodation, for members and the global fraternity visiting KL for business or pleasure.
Gallery of memories
Chairman Kesavan Muniandy researched photos of the Tunku, from chief minister (1955) and prime minister (1957) to his resignation in 1970. This initiative vests Commonwealth House with valuable historic symbolism beyond a social club. Tunku Muinuddin Putra who unveiled the plaque, and his sisters Tunku Munawirah Putra and Tengku Rozani, are delighted that their grandfather’s memory is proudly hosted by the Commonwealth Society. It is probably the only place in the country that does so.
The Tunku’s outsized baggy shorts, is typical of the man’s carefree ease – like the swirling wisp of smoke from his cigarette. The Tunku was a prince of the House of Kedah. He loved horse racing, whisky, joget, and embraced the good life with no hypocrisy. Kesavan recalled that the Tunku often said he was the happiest prime minister in the world. His people were happy, which made him happy. “He was neither pretentious nor judgemental,” added the chairman.
There are iconic world leaders with the Tunku – Queen Elizabeth II, Lee Kuan Yew, Indira Gandhi – and local colleagues, including youthful Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Dr Mahathir – kissing his hand.
The late Queen Elizabeth visited Commonwealth House twice with Prince Philip, in 1972 and 1989. The Tunku was always seated beside Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace dinners. Queen E regarded the Tunku with much affection and respect. On her Silver Jubilee, the Tunku declined to attend as his cousin was seriously ill. The Queen got her envoy in Singapore to divert the BOAC flight to KL, and persuaded the Tunku to board it.
The Tunku made Commonwealth House his home-away-from-home, to relax without formality, among his fellow citizens. He did not need a phalanx of armed guards, nor sycophants fussing. Commonwealth House embraced him with polite familiarity and let him be. He was a friend of all.
Debt of gratitude
Kesavan Muniandy feels Malaysians owe a debt of gratitude to the Tunku, for his humane and inclusive leadership of the nation. “It is a shame that we have airbrushed this great man out of national memory. He was such a kind and generous soul who inspired citizens with exemplary inclusiveness and joy. He was loved, not feared.” People trusted him, said Kesavan. The prime minister did not rifle the till to enrich himself and his relatives.
Plans are underway for a coffee-table volume of history and photographs, to commemorate the RCS (KL) 60th anniversary. The Tunku Room will feature in the book, with more insights into the man and his time.
Commonwealth House is one place the Tunku’s memory is firmly anchored, to amuse, puzzle, and evoke affection, for Malaysians old enough to recall, and for generations too young, who need to know. The Tunku Room may well become a regular visit for schools, and anyone curious about how this country was led so harmoniously and with abundant goodwill, by the prince who declared Merdeka. – The Vibes, April 1, 2023
Cyril Pereira is a Hong Kong resident of 38 years, and former publisher of Asia Magazine
