All about Tunku

At Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial, Ewe Paik Leong gets to know our Father of Independence better

EVERY Malaysian knows that the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj punched the air with his fist and shouted “Merdeka!” seven times at the then Royal Selangor Club Padang (now Dataran Merdeka) on Aug 31, 1957.

But do you know what attire was he wore at the historic ceremony? It was a Muscat Dress which originated from Kedah. It consisted of a taffeta silk open jacket with epaulettes, an inner white shirt with flowery neckline, gold braided pants and a headgear. The attire was tailored by G.K. Sediris Appuhamy of Messrs Gian Singh & Co of Kuala Lumpur.

Next, what was Tunku’s official car? A black Fleetwood Cadillac. These and other details about Tunku are not found in any history textbook but at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial.

EDUCATIONAL TOUR

The memorial is of great historical importance and every Malaysian should pay it a visit.

To instill patriotism in children and the younger generation, schools and colleges should also organise trips here to learn more about the life and times of our Bapa Kemerdekaan and Bapa Malaysia as Tunku is affectionately known.

The memorial comprises two blocks of buildings adjacent to The Residensi at Jalan Dato Onn, which was originally known as Brockman Road. Across the entrance on the ground floor stands the black Fleetwood Cadillac that Tunku and later, Tun Abdul Razak, our second Prime Minister, used. The facade wall behind the reception is covered with blown-up black and white photographs of Tunku, from his childhood days to his tenure as statesman.

Once inside the memorial, you will see a replica of Tunku’s work desk when he was the Prime Minister. To your left, stands a miniature of Sultan Abdul Samad Building and a separate gigantic clock face with its hands at midnight.

Thus begins the educational tour of Tunku’s struggle for independence with an introduction of the political scenario during that era and the formation of the alliance with Umno, MCA and MIC as its member parties.

The information is presented through plastic plaques, lighted glass plaques and displays of momentos, cartoons and news excerpts. The story of independence ends with a description of our country’s national symbols such as the flag and the hibiscus and the first cabinet members.

On the second floor, more exhibits showcase Tunku’s achievements both at home and abroad. In particular, he is most remembered for uniting the diverse races of the country, fighting and defeating the communist insurgents, his role in forming Malaysia and establishing regional co-operation among Southeast Asian countries.

Tunku also supported the United Nations peace-keeping programmes and was sympathetic to the plight of the Cambodian refugees in the 1970s. Last but not least, he was committed to the cause of Islam and established Perkim (Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation) in 1960.

An excerpt from one of Tunku’s speeches show that he cherished peace: “In Malaya, we have everything we desire. We believe in food than bullets, clothes rather than uniform, homes rather than barracks.” His humility won him the love of every citizen, when he once declared: “I am nothing without my country and my fellow Malayans.”

THE RESIDENSI

It is the highest structure in the memorial. This colonial-style building was shifted from Klang to its present site in 1880 and was the official home of the British residents in Selangor from 1882 until the outbreak of WWII. When Tunku became the Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya, he occupied the building and held a number of important meetings here which paved the way for independence.

What’s written in Malaya’s Proclamation of Independence? Visitors can see it carved in stone, which is displayed in a plaza just one level below The Residensi. Another plaza below features a granite face depicting Tunku declaring independence. There are 18 smaller slabs that highlight the important milestones in his life from birth till death. Truly, he was a great man.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial

Jalan Dato Onn, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

TEL 03-2694 7277

OPENING HOURS 10am-5.30pm daily. Closed on Monday

Related Articles