KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have been reminded to preserve the country's independence to defend the freedom brought by the father of independence and Malaysia's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a speech delivered by his deputy Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the independence inherited by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman must be preserved as mentioned by him in the proclamation of independence 67 years ago: "Our country must remain independent and sovereign, and all its people peaceful, prosperous, and safe forever."
"Now, our collective responsibility is to preserve this independence and give meaning to a free and sovereign nation.
"This aligns with the government's aspiration to create a Malaysian Madani society that always respects each other, celebrates diversity, and serves as a platform for civilisational dialogue imbued with compassion and mutual assistance, ensuring a peaceful society without conflict," he said when officiating "Remembering Statesman Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj" programme in Bukit Jalil today.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, known as the "Father of Independence," was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, serving from 1957 to 1970.
Born on Feb 8, 1903, in Kedah, he played a pivotal role in negotiating Malaysia's peaceful transition to independence from British rule.
His leadership was marked by a commitment to democracy, unity, and the establishment of Malaysia as a sovereign nation.
Under his guidance, Malaysia embraced a multicultural identity, fostering harmony among its diverse ethnic groups.
Tunku Abdul Rahman's vision extended beyond politics; he was instrumental in forming the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and promoting regional cooperation.
His legacy endures as a symbol of Malaysia's journey toward independence and nation-building.
In the speech, Tunku Abdul Rahman was also described as a visionary and forward-thinking leader as soon after independence; he worked on a proposal to establish Malaysia that saw the union between the Federation of Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore on 16th Sept 1963.
"This was aimed at achieving stability and ethnic balance, as well as curbing the widespread influence of communism at the time," Anwar said.