WILLIAM Gibson once said, "Time moves in one direction, and memory in another." This sentiment rings true for statesman Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Tengku Mohd Hamzah, whose harrowing political journey is vividly recounted in the compelling book Ku Li: Memoir 205, authored by Datin Zinitulniza Abdul Kadir.
Despite his notorious privacy and previous refusals to document his life, Tengku Razaleigh's remarkable story is now finally told. "Many have approached me in the past to write a book; but I had to decline because I don't think I led an interesting and eventful life… dramatic enough to incite, excite and interest readers," remarked the self-deprecating former politician during the launch of his book. "However, I was eventually persuaded that future generations should learn about what I witnessed during the era of our founding fathers."
The book arrives at a crucial moment, inviting us to step back in time and revisit the early days of Malaysia through the eyes of Ku Li (as Tengku Razaleigh is known). His narrative offers a unique perspective on the nation's formative years under its first three prime ministers, capturing Malaysia's initial faltering steps as a newly formed nation.
"It wasn't easy convincing Ku Li to agree to the book," Zinitulniza, who prefers to be called Zini, reiterates, adding: "Writing it was no simple task either. For 37 years, Ku Li was approached to share his story, but he's always been averse to being glorified or having his personal life documented. Whenever the subject of a biography or memoir came up, he'd immediately shut it down."
Head shaking, she continues wryly: "He'd say, 'Wait until I die and then you can write anything you want!'"
Last October, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) alumni met with Ku Li to persuade him to reconsider his stance. They believed that his journey and stories should be documented, as many of his contributions were either unknown, forgotten or misunderstood.
"When the alumni suggested I draft a book proposal for Tengku's approval, I jumped at the chance," she says, eyes glinting behind her spectacles. "As I researched Ku Li, I realised there were so many untold stories about him that people should know."
With only a day to spare, Zini embarked on crafting a proposal for the 87-year-old former political leader. "I delved into every available resource on Ku Li," she explains, adding: "Surprisingly little had been written about him beyond his background and political career. The full extent of his story remained largely untold. However, it became evident that he shared a close relationship with Malaysia's first three prime ministers: Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Tun Hussein Onn."
Acknowledging the profound complexity of this remarkably private man's life, the writer set out to unearth the conflicts he faced. "When writing a book, one of the most crucial tasks is to seek out and highlight the conflicts," Zini asserts.
Continuing, she adds: "Conflicts breathe life into a story; they are what make it compelling. Without conflicts, there'd be no story! In Ku Li's case, these conflicts revealed his true character as a man dedicated to serving his country."
DANGEROUS TRIP
One of Ku Li's most significant milestones was his inaugural trip to China, undertaken at a time when diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the country were non-existent. This venture was fraught with considerable risk and danger, adding a compelling dimension to its significance.
When he learnt that Zini would include this pivotal journey in the memoir, Ku Li's face lit up, marking it as one of the primary reasons for his agreement to the book. "He took particular pride in his role towards the communique on the establishment of diplomatic relationship signed between Malaysia and China in 1974. Little did people know that it was Ku Li who laid the groundwork just a few years earlier in 1971."
During the 1970s, when Malaysia was grappling with the communist threat, Tunku Abdul Rahman consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining relations with China. "China was rising at that time," recalls Ku Li in the book. "With Malaysia already independent and China emerging as a major economic power, it was decided that we needed to have direct trade with them."
Despite the apparent impossibility, the idea loomed large. China was and still is a communist country, while Malaysia at the time was contending with the menace of the militant Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) whose members were responsible for civilian, police and military casualties, as well as widespread destruction of public property. "That period was truly agonising, despite our independence," reflects Ku Li.
In his capacity as president of the National Chamber of Commerce representing business leaders from various ethnic backgrounds, Ku Li was entrusted by then prime minister Tun Abdul Razak and his deputy Tun Dr Ismail bin Abdul Rahman, to lead the delegation to China.
"I asked Dr Ismail if it was true that I needed to go to China because we had no diplomatic relations with them," recalls Ku Li. "He replied, 'It's true that we have no relations with China. So, you have to do it right. Because if you make a mistake, we won't take you back.'"
Dr Ismail reiterated sternly to the startled Ku Li, emphasising: "We mean it. You better do it right!" Reflecting on that moment, Ku Li mused: "Imagine that. Not only did I proceed without any allowances and using my own money, but I was also warned that any mistake would leave me stranded there!"
He took the risk and made the trip anyway, fully aware of the potential dangers it posed.
The Malaysian delegates were warmly welcomed by then premier Zhou Enlai, who acknowledged the absence of diplomatic relations and expressed optimism for future engagement. He recounted the historical voyages of Admiral Zheng He to southeast Asia, referring to it as Nanyang. Zhou expressed China's openness to discussions regarding the normalisation of ties.
During the conversation, the topic of the insurgency carried out by the CPM was also brought up. Zhou denied that China was providing assistance to its leader, Chin Peng, noted Ku Li.
Through discussions with Zhou and other officials in Beijing, several significant agreements were reached. Among them, the intermediary role in trade relations between Malaysia and China would be eliminated, and both countries agreed to exchange embassy representatives. Further matters would be negotiated until the diplomatic agreement was signed in 1974, addressing issues such as combating the communist threat.
This trip served as the precursor to the eventual establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Remarks Zini: "It's been 50 years since Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations. Ku Li takes special pride in the role he played. He believed it was the most significant contribution he made to the country."
DIFFICULT PURSUIT
"What did you know of Ku Li prior to writing the book?" I ask, and Zini pauses to reflect. "Well, I was born in 1971," she begins slowly. "During my schooling years, that was the peak of his political prominence.
She particularly recalls the events of 1987 when Ku Li's "Team B" faction challenged Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's "Team A" for control of Umno. There was a photograph of Ku Li wearing the Kadazan headgear, which has a pattern resembling a cross. It was widely circulated and extensively highlighted in the newspapers, creating the perception that he was wearing a Christian headgear with a cross.
Continues Zini: "He was initially winning, but that photo circulated widely and he lost. It almost destroyed his political career. Imagine that. But I remember that photograph vividly."
She admits not knowing much about Ku Li except that he was a significant political figure who had made substantial contributions to nation-building. "But most of what I knew about Ku Li was hearsay. However, as I delved into my research, I began to grasp a deeper understanding of him."
Continuing, she says: "When he started sharing the intricate details of his story and what unfolded behind the scenes, I realised that these were stories that people needed to hear. This is the first time he has disclosed a wealth of information that was once mere speculation. Now, it's all been documented."
This marks Zini's 18th book, presenting her with her most challenging endeavour yet as a former journalist. Conducting a total of six two-hour sessions with Ku Li, including four consecutive sessions, proved to be particularly demanding.
"I had to prepare meticulously and research as much as I possibly can, knowing I had only that amount of time with him. I poured my heart and soul into it. Thankfully, Ku Li was remarkably humble and incredibly easy to work with," confides Zini.
RISE OF A WRITER
The prolific writer shares that her passion for writing blossomed during her secondary school years. "Initially, I had aspirations to become a doctor," she chuckles. "But I disliked chemistry and then discovered that writing brought me immense joy. My late father, recognising this, encouraged me to pursue journalism."
The Ipoh-native later joined the New Straits Times Press' Pre-Entry Editorial Training Skills (PETS) programme and served as a junior journalist with Berita Harian for several years.
"It was truly an unforgettable experience; I learnt new things, met new people, and faced different challenges every day, and that suited me very well," she recalls fondly.
Eventually, she decided to pursue a degree in performing arts at Universiti Malaya, marking a transition in her career path. "Back then, the film and television industry was booming, and I wanted to be part of that," she reminisces.
In 2001, she made her foray into broadcasting, crafting scripts and directing television documentaries. However, by 2006, she found herself drawn back to the publishing world, this time as the deputy editor of the Malaysian edition of Cosmopolitan magazine.
After a stint in both corporate and government roles, she eventually embraced the freedom of freelance work, showcasing her talents as a versatile writer, editor, designer and creative director.
Her debut book, Mokhtar Dahari: Legenda Bola Sepak Malaysia, chronicling the life of the beloved national football icon, clinched the prestigious Anugerah Buku Negara in 2012.
Writing has brought her immense satisfaction, with Ku Li's memoir standing as the pinnacle of her illustrious career.
Shares Zini: "Returning to my passion has truly paid off. This project has been the most significant and fulfilling endeavour I've undertaken as a writer. I had everything I needed. A willing subject who shared generously, a wealth of captivating stories, and, most importantly, ample conflicts to weave into the narrative."
She admits that the hardest challenge was writing the final paragraph. Says Zini: "How to conclude the book was the most difficult part. Whether it's a book or an article, the ending must provide a sense of completion. It's crucial that readers feel a sense of relief when they finish reading."
Zini struggled through it. "I chose a sombre ending for this book but I didn't want it to end on that note," she confesses. The conclusion revolved around the 1981 tussle for the post of deputy prime minister between Tun Musa Hitam and Ku Li.
Ku Li had revealed an agreement between himself and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to appoint him as deputy prime minister when the latter assumed leadership in 1981. Despite Tun Hussein Onn's wish for Ku Li to become prime minister, he declined, advocating for Dr Mahathir due to his position as Hussein's deputy.
"I understood that Dr Mahathir didn't want me to be his deputy, but I accepted and welcomed the decision," recalled Ku Li. In this biography, Ku Li recounts how Dr. Mahathir, after securing his own position, strategically installed Tun Musa Hitam to run against him, a move Ku Li perceived as double-dealing.
The book concludes with Ku Li losing to Musa by a total of 205 votes, inspiring the memoir's title. "It wasn't enough to showcase the loss, but there must be some hope as well," Zini reflects. Finally, the saying: "Indeed, a statesman does not necessarily need to become prime minister, and ironically, a prime minister may not necessarily be a statesman" became the ending.
As time moves in one direction, and memory in another, it's clear that the figure who once stood on the brink of premiership won't simply vanish into the shadows. With this book adding to the country's historical narrative, the truth of the nation's formative years and the pivotal figures involved will hopefully remain indelibly etched in the collective consciousness of all Malaysians.