KUALA LUMPUR – Following the posthumous recognition given by the Indian state of Kerala to Tan Sri B.C. Sekhar, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he should receive similar praise in Malaysia.
In a Facebook post today, the Port Dickson MP touched on Sekhar’s recognition by the Kerala state government, in which a university college has been dedicated to his name.
“The recognition by the government of Kerala, India, of our very own Tan Sri Dr B.C. Sekhar, by naming a college in their newly announced university after him, should bring all Malaysians great pride,” Anwar said.
Anwar has known Sekhar personally since the late 1970s as an intellectual, whom Anwar himself would call on to seek advice.
He said Sekhar’s leadership in the rubber and palm oil industries ensured Malaysia was economically secure and reduced its poverty rate.
“A true nationalist who didn’t see race or religion; just Malaysians. We should all use this recognition and honour of a great son of our nation as an inspiration for what Malaysians are capable of,” Anwar added.
Sekhar is the first Asian and Malaysian to lead the local Rubber Research Institute, during a time where rubber and palm oil contributed to 70% of the GDP.
Unfortunately, despite numerous sacrifices and contributions to the country – which include numerous patents and more than 130 research papers – Sekhar was ousted by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.
Sekhar was made to leave Malaysia and accept a position in London.
“The Malaysian government must do better to recognise and appreciate the great giants of our history, especially the non-political leaders who really built the foundations of our economy and society.
“I am determined to see this happen. I congratulate the Sekhar family and on behalf of Malaysia, thank the state government of Kerala for this honour,” Anwar said. – The Vibes, January 16, 2020
