He was a prominent leader within the country and also a statesman at the international stage, apart from prime minister of Malaysia.
The founding father of the country, he played an instrumental role in the birth of the nation after a long period of colonial rule.He understood the challenges well and brought the diverse communities together, henceforth paving way for a bright future of the people and for the progress of his county.
During the second World War, Japan attacked Malaya and defeated the British. It was in this period that his concern towards his people was visible. Later, he visited London, finishes his law degree and returned.
Once in active politics, he brought UMNO and Malay Chinese Association (MCA) together. The formation of the Alliance was an important step. Tunku was now touring all over Malaya and was gaining in popularity.
The changes were swift during the 1950s. It was an eventful decade. He became president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Later, became chief minister and home minister of Malaya. Led a mission to secure independence and after attaining freedom, he worked on his way towards formation of the federation of Malaysia.
Under Tunku's leadership, the Alliance won elections. For a country that was coming out of colonial rule, a visionary leader who was acceptable to all the sections of society, was needed. He was a leader who fought for his country's independence and later played major role in transforming Malaysia as an important voice on the international stage.
He saw Malaysia as a melting pot of diverse cultures, different races and wished to promote multiculturalism in order to foster harmony and strengthen the country. There were many obstacles in his way. The racial tensions had come to fore in 1969.
Born in 1903, Tunku saw the world change dramatically. He was witness to the world wars and the end of the empires. Dozens of independent countries had appeared on the world map. He was the man who is credited for laying foundation of the modern Malaysia.
From an administrator in Kedah to the prime minister of Malaysia and a world leader, it was a long journey. Kuala Lumpur was no longer a place to missed on the world map. Tunku was the first secretary general of Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) and was a key figure in formation of ASEAN--Association of South East Asian Nations. Tunku passed away in 1990. A man who remained active all his life, he is rightly seen as one of the prominent leaders of the world in the twentieth century.
