10 Fascinating Facts about Tunku Abdul Rahman

10 Fascinating Facts about Tunku Abdul Rahman

Abdul Raman was the first prime minister of independent Malaysia. He had a high sense of patriotism as well as loyalty and kindness to his people. He is known as the founding father of Malaya and was a lawyer by profession. This article will share ten fascinating facts about Tunku Abdul Rahman.

1 Suffered from malaria attacks

During the time Tunku was born, Cholera and Malaria were very common. Tunku Abdul who was born on 8^th February 1903 at Istana Pelamin Palace in Alor Setar Keah was the 7^th son and one of the 45 children of Sultan Abdul Hamid.

At least two of Tunkus’s brothers and his older sister died from cholera while he suffered from attacks of malaria until he left for London in 1920. Tunku when he was the district officer made orders for a survey to be done on how many swaps are in the area and asked for funds to drain them. His first request was not heard but after the second request, the money was sent to him and he drained the breeding areas of the carriers of Malaria. His first wife died from Malaria.

2 He was active in sports

A picture of Tunku Abdul by Harry Pot-Wikimedia

Tunku became Vice President of the Kedah Football Association after his return from Cambridge in the late 1930s. Later he became president of the Selangor Football Association and a few years later he became president of the Football Association of Malaysia for 20 years.

He firmly believes that sports can be a good catalyst in bringing different Malaysian individuals together despite their different races and religion. Therefore he supported and initiated sports events. These included an International football tournament, The Pestabola Merdeka (Independence Football event)in 1957.

3 His lucky number is 13

Apart from loving sports, Tunku also loved horse racing and was a regular at the Selangor Turf Club. He believed and claimed that his lucky number was thirteen. He was sure he would win horse races that were held on the 13^th of the month especially on Friday the 13^th for him.

Tunku’s racing interest was with the racehorse champion “Think big”. After their first win in 1974, the owners Tan Chin Nam and Rick O Sullivan invited Tunki to join them as part owner of the horses. Think big then won its second Melbourne Cup in 1975.

4 Was a Genius

Tunku, in his wig and gown, after his call to the bar. Photo by The Inss of Court Photographer-Wikimedia

When Tunku sat for his examination known as “Little Go”, he obtained high marks for all of his papers with a pass for all of his examinations this allowed him to join St Catharine’s College as an undergraduate.

When Tunku was appointed as Cadet in 1931. He spent most of his time touring around to get to know the problems of the peasant who formed 90 per cent of the population, from his busy schedule he managed to spare some time for his Cadet Law Exam so that he may qualify for a promotion. He took the exams and passed them on his first attempt.

5 Resourceful individual

There was a strict rule of mixed marriages and the royal family were not allowed to Mary non-Malaysians. Tunku broke this law by secretly marrying violet. The secretary of Government showed his disapproval by sending Tunku to the isolated post of District office at Langkawi

The district was thinly populated, sparsely cultivated and without roads. He asked for funds from the government to develop the area but his request was rejected. His resourceful and genius nature allowed him to win cooperation from members of the public. This led to the construction of a jetty and roads from money that he collected.

6 He was a religious person

A picture pf Tunku from the National Archives of Malaysia-Wikimedia

Tunku established the Islamic Welfare Organisation after making Islam the region of the federation in 1960. The organisation’s main purpose was to help Muslim converts adapt to their lives as Muslims. He was the president of the organisation until a year after his death.

On the occasion of his 80th birthday, he stated that the country had a multiracial population with various beliefs and Malaysia must continue as a secular state with Islam as the official religion. He was supported by the third Malaysian Prime minister Hussein Onn.

7 He faced racism

Tunku was able to win The Kedah state scholarship four years after returning to his home town to continue with his studies. The scholarship allowed him to pursue his studies in law at St Catharine’s College at the University of Cambridge. He applied to stay at the college residence but his application was denied due to the colour of his skin.

Later on, they realized that he was a prince and accepted his application but with dignity and honour Tunku refused the offer and rented a room throughout his studies.

8 He was the first Prime Minister

In 1956 Tunku led a campaign to negotiate the independence of Malaysia with the British. He secured the promise of independence by August 1957. This promise came true on 3ist August 1957 when Tunku became the first prime minister of an independent Malaya.

Tunku later resigned from his post in September 1970 as his power diminished due to Singapore separating itself from the Federation. He united the various communities of Malaysia and was Sayed to be a devoted leader.

9 Honours

Merdeka 118 tower is a 118-storey tower. It’s the world’s seconds tallest structure and the world’s second building. The shape of the designed building resembles Tunku with his hands raised while chanting “Merdeka” during the proclamation of the independence .of Malaya.

He peacefully died and among those who witnessed his death include were the Chief Secretary and a few others. He was buried at the Langgar Royal Mausoleum in Alor Setar According to his wish signed a day before his death.

10. His legacy lives on

Entrance of the Tunku Abdul Rahman University. Picture by Aiweny-Wikimedia

Unfortunately, Kuok passed away on 6^th December 1990 but his memory still lives on. Several places are named after him. The naming ranges from hospitals mosques and schools to city halls. Some of the places named are Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Putra World Trade Centre which is a convention trade centre, Masjid Putra which is a mosque in Putrayajaya, and Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial Academy. Also Taman Putra Perdana in Puchong Selangor, Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Terengganu.