Tunku: His Life and Times
The Authorized Biography of
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj
By Mubin Sheppard
July 2007
Pelanduk Publications
Distributed By Coronet Books
ISBN: 9789679784954
234 pages, Illustrated, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
$33.50 Paper Original
This is the authorized biography of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj (1903-1990); it chronicles his royal ancestry, early childhood, education, inititiation into politics and culminating with his crowning achievements as the principal architect of Malaya's independence, while becoming famous as a patron of Asian football, local horseracing and traditional Malay culture.
He did what no one else could have done then; he managed to transform Malaya from colonial administration to political independence and championed a policy of tolerance, moderation and intercommunal harmony.
Tunku's political intuition won instinctive trust from people of all races and walks of life. His message went straight to the hearts of all. His candour often rankled certain quarters and occasionally caused controversies he never intended. Those who came to know him realized he harboured no malice; he only wanted the best. For these and more, the prince of the royal house of Kedah deserves a unique place in the annals of Malaysian history.
He enjoyed a unique position in Malaysia, and was held in the highest regard in Britain, the Commonwealth and the world at large.
-- Queen Elizabeth II
The country has lost a premier statesman and leader. As for me, my love and respect for the late Tunku has never wavered and I greatly mourn his passing.
-- Dr Mahathir Mohamad
He was a good man, shrewd in his judgement of people. He always concentrated on the essentials in a problem and often got it right.
Biography
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