LETTER | Tunku's legacy in tatters

LETTER | Feb 8 marks the birthday of the nation’s Father of Independence. It was a much-celebrated event leaving behind the shackles of colonialism. He would be 118 years old today if still alive.

The new nation faced challenges on many fronts and was not expected to succeed for long given the inherent racial mix which was potent concoction for self-destruction.

We almost reached this point as manifested in the bloody riots of May 1969. It has left a permanent scar on the tapestry of independent Malaysia.

Tunku Abdul Rahman left a permanent mark and legacy reflective of the early days of independent Malaya and wove together a cabinet and government to take the country to the next level post-independence. This was not easy given the scare resources and at times incompatible and incongruent desires of the different racial groups.

His humility, notwithstanding his royal heritage, was a trait admired and respected by many. Differences were sorted out not through sensationalism through the media but over a ‘coffee table’ talk and chat which undoubtedly soothed frayed nerves.

Unfortunately, some elements dissatisfied on the perceived slow progress in catering to the needs of a certain segment of the populace sowed the seeds of discontent. This led to the unfortunate and deeply regrettable riots.

Tunku will be remembered for his sobriety, vision and dogged pursuit of the things he believed in to set the foundations for a strong nation proving the colonialists wrong. All this whist maintaining congeniality with this same cohort who could best assist this newly developing country.

Above all, he preached tolerance and unity setting his sights on the big picture of what Malaya could be.

Subsequent prime ministers followed increasing exponentially the trajectory of economic and social development. In the 1990s, Malaysia was ranked amongst the Asian 'tigers'. It was a case study to countries in the Asean region and some African nations relating to the setting up of infrastructure, institutions of governance and sound economic masterplans to uplift its citizens.

Many had chosen to emulate the Malaysian model. They have progressed in leaps and bounds and are now our competitors for direct foreign investment. This is testimony to our progress which indeed the late Tunku would be exceptionally proud of.

On the flip side, that unabated progress brought with it, unfortunately, elements of cronyism and corruption. Money became the lingua franca of modern Malaysia and political funding has become the ‘be all and end all’. It should have been nipped in the bud like when a mastectomy is performed when there is the slightest inkling of possible cancerous growth.

Sadly, the system failed the nation creating megalomaniacs who bought influence and power unashamedly. Our founding father would never have envisaged this as he stood for good governance and the rule of law.

Tunku presided over an elected government built on the concept of fairness to all who chose to call Malaya their home irrespective of their origin, be it from Java, Siam, Khmer, India or China. All worked towards a common goal.

That foundation has disintegrated and we have a political system in disarray with party-hopping resulting in the palace having to resolve our political impasse. This has adversely affected political stability and the consequential economic growth that stability brings.

There has been a redirection of investments to our neighbours. Their growth far surpasses that of Malaysia. Some economists and academics foresee, given our current state of healthiness, a progressive decline till we are termed the latest ‘sick man’ in the region

The judicial framework is exposed for all to see and there are deep rifts in society pursuant to the undercurrents of political and racial tensions.

It appears the rakyat had erred badly in executing the power of their vote in 2018 by electing some representatives who have both misused and abused their mandate in leading the country forward building on the legacy of the first prime minister. That short-lived euphoria has declined.

There is something so sadly missing in modern-day Malaysia of the 21st century.

Subsequent prime ministerial leaderships whilst scaling new heights have neglected addressing issues related to basic norms of civil behaviour in society and compromised the works of their predecessors on this front. The altar of self-indulgence has taken precedent.

There is much we as individuals and the country can learn from the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, our founding father, on values related to integrity, honesty, trust and service above self. As a nation, Malaya and subsequently Malaysia, appears to have lost its moral compass.

It is not too late to recalibrate as we remember the date of birth of the much loved and respected Tunku who exuded humility, whether he was in the presence of his royal brethren or the simple man on the street going about his way in being a responsible citizen in this place he called home.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.