KUALA LUMPUR – Recognition of the late Tan Sri B.C. Sekhar by the Kerala government in India has ignited a conversation on Malaysia’s failure to recognise its own patriots.
Tawfik Ismail, son of the late former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, urged Putrajaya to do more in terms of paying tribute to those who have sacrificed for and contributed to the nation.
Describing Sekhar as an illustrious patriot, the former Sg Benut MP told The Vibes that Sekhar asked for and received little reward for his sterling service to Malaysia’s development.
It is only appropriate for the government to commemorate such individuals for present and future generations, he said.
“It is appropriate and fitting for historians and the government of the day to recall and commemorate them for present and future generations, to remember their deeds and immense contributions to the fields they led, to inspire and encourage those who follow.”
Among the many ways that Putrajaya can pay tribute to such heroes is by having a dedicated burial site for them, he said.
“Have a national heroes’ burial site for heroes of all races that reflect our different cultural and religious histories. In the case of cremations, a proper and prominent place for their ashes to be kept.”
Tawfik recommended that the National Archives and media keep a list of these individuals, along with their achievements, to allow Parliament to gazette them as heroes.
“The National Archives should also commission biographies to be written, and their collection of correspondences, letters and minutes of the meetings they attended should be designated as a national treasure or heritage for future generations to read and be inspired by.”
Local councils can name new townships and roads after Malaysian heroes, and avoid renaming roads that already have their own history, he added.
“Name scholarships and bursaries after these luminaries in their special fields of science or the arts. In the case of the late Tan Sri (Sekhar), the field of rubber research.”
Tawfik also highlighted other local personalities whose legacies were lost due to “political short-sightedness, indifference and selfish prejudice”.
“Whatever happened, for example, to Pusat Penyelidikan Atomic Tun Dr Ismail, better known as the Tun Dr Ismail Atomic Research Centre?
“And, why was a pioneer like (the late) Royal Prof Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid not given an honoured burial at the National Heroes tomb?”
Sekhar, who was the first Malaysian and Asian to lead the Rubber Research Institute, will have a university college in Kerala named after him. – The Vibes, January 17, 2021
