KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Tun Razak (YTR) has launched a new publication titled Tun Abdul Razak: Imagining Malaysia's Future Through His Lenses, celebrating the legacy of the country's second Prime Minister and his vision for Malaysia's future.
The event marked YTR's first initiative under Tan Sri Nazir Razak, who recently succeeded the late Tun Hanif Omar as chairman.
In his speech, Tan Sri Nazir Razak, son of the late Tun Abdul Razak, reflected on his predecessor's contributions to YTR.
"Tun Hanif's leadership over the past 29 years with 19 as chairman, has enabled YTR to play a pivotal role in youth development, education, and nation-building," he said in the speech.
The book was launched by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Nazir said the launch of the book was commissioned under Hanif's leadership, with Nazir contributing a chapter on Malaysia's democratic evolution.
He said the book aims to deepen the understanding of Razak's policies, especially his approach to uniting Malaysia after the 1969 riots.
"The book not only adds a valuable new dimension to the range of writings about Tun Razak but also amplifies the relevance of his policies, decisions and actions as we continuously strive for a better Malaysia.
"In my chapter, I argue that Tun Razak's post-May 13 systemic reset is something we should turn to now, as we work to reinforce institutional checks and balances, accelerate economic growth, and promote nation-building," he said.
The 366-page book was written by economic expert from Universiti Malaya Professor Datuk Rajah Mohamad; Yayasan Mahkota chairman Kamal Salih; Yayasan Cemerlang chief executive officer Hafriza Burhanudeen; and former Sungai Benut member of parliament Mohamed Tawfiq Ismail.
In addition to covering economic matters, the book also explores political science and education through the lens of Abdul Razak's leadership of the country.
Meanwhile, Nazir said YTR is working on a proposal to rejuvenate Memorial Tun Razak, located at Sri Taman, Lake Gardens.
The project, in collaboration with National Archives and ThinkCity, seeks to restore Tun Razak's former residence and develop a museum focused on Malaysia's political history.