Tunku would not have tolerated racism, says granddaughter

Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year may be the focal points of February, but few may remember that this month also marks the birth of the man who led Malaya to independence and who later became the founding prime minister of Malaysia.

Born on February 9, 1903, Tunku played a pivotal role in freeing the country from colonial masters, his years-long struggle for Merdeka immortalised in Malaysia's history books and documents.

In conjunction with Tunku's 112th birthday this year, The Malaysian Insider recently interviewed his granddaughter, YM Sharifah Menjelara Hussien, or Lara, as she prefers to be called.

Tunku, whom Lara fondly referred to as "Tok", would never have compromised with racism and would have put a stop to the racial politics in this country, if he were still alive, she said.

"Tok would not have compromised with racism. He was a leader for everyone, and had in the past said every race in this country had contributed to Malaya," she told The Malaysian Insider.

"He also said the independence we achieved was not through his efforts alone, but that of other leaders from among the Chinese, Malay and Indian communities.

"Everyone united to achieve the dream that became a reality in 1957," she said, referring to Malaya's independence that year. Malaysia was only formed in 1963 with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore which left after two years.

Lara, who now works at a major local advertising firm, said although Tunku's dream had taken years for him to realise, he would never forget the other leaders who fought by his side.

"So how could he support racial politics when independence was achieved through everyone's efforts?" she said.

Tunku would constantly remind the public that Malaysia's strength lay in the people's unity, and that Malaysians should not allow their differences to tear them apart.

"If that happens, we will fall," said Lara as she recalled her grandfather's words to her.

She added that Tunku had wanted Malaysia to become a model country in the eyes of the world, and to prove Malaysians could live harmoniously with one another in spite of their diversity.

She said her grandfather would be proud of what Malaysia had achieved so far.

"He may be taken aback at how many of the roads in the country are named after the figures who fought for independence.

"But I believe Tok would always care about his rakyat's happiness and unity which he fought for."

Lara said that when the Union Jack was taken down and the national flag of Malaya was raised for the first time to signify the country's independence, Tunku considered all six million citizens as his family.

Lara noted that Toh Puan Umarsundari Sambanthan had once said: "Beside my own father, Tunku is also my father. Regardless of race and religion, he still had time for us".

Umarsundari was the wife of Tun V.T.Sambanthan, one of the nation's founding fathers along with Tunku, and also the fifth president of the Indian-based party, MIC.

"I always believe that each society and culture is a reflection of its leader. If the leader is humble and trustworthy, this is reflected in society," said Lara.

"Justice was the backbone of Tok's leadership. I heard a story on how he had given his jacket to a beggar because the man had no clothes."

Among Tunku's advice to her was that nothing was more valuable in this country than its diversity.

"Politicians come and go, but the country will live on. So let us remember his words: 'without this country and the rakyat of Malaysia, I am nothing'." – February 15, 2015.