Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, AC, CH (Jawi: تونكو عبدالرحمن ڤوترا الهاج ابن المرحوم سلطان عبدالحميد حاليم شه, Chinese: 東姑阿都拉曼) (February 8, 1903 – December 6, 1990) was Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya from 1955, and the country's first Prime Minister from independence in 1957. He remained as the Prime Minister after Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore joined the federation in 1963 to form Malaysia. He is widely known simply as "Tunku" or "The Tunku" (a princely title in Malaysia) and also called Bapa Kemerdekaan (Father of Independence) or Bapa Malaysia (Father of Malaysia),
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj was born on February 8, 1903, in Alor Setar, Kedah. Tunku was the 7th child of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, the 24th ruler of Kedah. Tunku's mother was Che Manjalara (née Nueng Nonthanakorn), the fourth wife of Sultan Abdul Hamid. Together with his mother and her other children, Tunku lived in the pagoda. As soon as he was old enough, Tunku ran outside the palace enclosure to play with boys of his own age who lived in the town. His mother strongly disapproved of it but she was too preoccupied with caring for the Sultan and Tunku's nurses were unable to control him. At that time, cholera and malaria were very common all over Kedah and at least two of Tunku's brothers and older sister died from cholera while Tunku himself suffered from intermittent attacks of malaria until he left for London in 1920 .
When Tunku was four years old, he was vaccinated . Although he tried to elude his mother's servants, he was finally caught and taken to his grandmother's room where the painful inoculation took place. When Tunku was about six years old, one day, as he was toasting keropok, (fish fritters) in his mother's kitchen, a lit fragment of firewood fell on his left ankle and burnt him. It was extremely painful. Tunku wishing to conceal the accident from his mother, wrapped a cloth around his ankle and hoped that it would heal. But the wound turned septic and it was three years before it healed completely and Tunku was able to resume his football games outside the palace.
When Tunku was nine, he was circumcised together with seven other boys who were his playmates from town. The event took place in a room in the palace complex. The Royal Circumciser performed the minor operation in only a few seconds, but the healing was slow. All the patients, including Tunku remained in the palace for three weeks. Malay and Javanese shadow plays were performed nightly for their entertainment.
Tunku's formal education started when he was about six years old at the only Malay elementary school in Alor Setar. His mother had hoped that the school would keep him out of mischief but he often ran away from class. When a small English Medium school was opened by a teacher named Mohamad Iskandar, Tunku's mother sent him there instead. In the afternoon, Tunku was taught to read the Al-Quran. When Tunku's eldest brother, Tunku Yusuf returned to Alor Setar from England, he realised that Tunku was not making any progress in his studies. He decided to take Tunku with him to Bangkok by sea from Singapore in 1913. In Bangkok, Tunku was admitted to the Debsirin School, where lessons were taught in Siamese. Tunku was never lonely because he possessed an unrivaled capacity of making friends with people of all communities. His best friend was Tavil Guptarak. They attended the same school and were inseparable. Tunku Yusuf spent his time on military operations against bandits. In 1915, he contracted pneumonia in the jungle and died on his return to the Siamese capital. Tunku then returned to Kedah accompanied by his brother's widow. In 1916,His mother sent him to study in the Penang Free School. it was here that Tunku began to developed a keen interest in his studies and twice obtained a double promotion.
When Tunku was 16, he won a scholarship to further his studies at Cambridge University. He managed to get a seat on an old 9,000-ton cargo ship which carried only 12 people. Tunku boarded the vessel in Singapore. When the ship loaded cargo in the Klang River, Tunku contracted malaria again. He had a high fever during the voyage and barely recovered when the ship arrived at Tilbury on June 1, 1920. Here a representative named Eccles met him to take him to his temporary new home in Little Stukeley near Huntingdon. The Rev. Edgar Vigers, the elderly Rector of the parish, lived in a brick Rectory, three storeys high. He supplemented his income by tutoring teenage boys who needed coaching towards a variety of minor examinations. He had registered his name with the Crown Agents, and they sent him students, including Tunku. Most of the boys were English but when Tunku arrived, there were three Siamese boys.
Living in an English village was a totally new experience for Tunku. At first, he spent most of his time in the company of the Siamese. Soon, he bought a bicycle and made his friends with some youths who played football in the evenings. They were more heavily built and slower, and Tunku could kick a football accurately and run faster than any of them. Soon, Tunku played regularly on the Right Wing position for Little Stukeley. No-one in the village had ever heard of Malaya or the Malays, and they nicknamed him "Bobby".
After about a year, Tunku realised that he was making very little progress in his studies. He took a train from Huntingdon to London and went to see Mr. Ezekiel, his guardian, in the office of the Crown Agents. Ezekiel arranged for Tunku to move to Cambridge and to be taught by and live with a Mr Basil Atkinson. Atkinson was an experienced tutor and he prepared Tunku to sit for university entrance examinations known as "Littlego". An Indian student taught Tunku geometry. Tunku worked hard and prepared himself for the examinations that took place late in summer the following year. When the results were published, Tunku obtained high marks for all his papers with a Pass for the whole examination. He had been accepted as undergraduate at one of the colleges that formed the University of Cambridge. He was also allotted a sitting room and bedroom in one of the college's registered lodging houses at 11, Grande Road.
The Kedah Regent had instructed Tunku to study Law at Cambridge so that he could make use of it in the civil service when he returned. But after reading the syllabus for an Honours Degree in Law, Tunku decided to enter his name for a Pass Degree instead. There were no other Malay students at Cambridge in 1922, Tunku's friends were English and Siamese students. he also befriended the head cook in his college kitchen and taught him how to prepare rice and curry in the Malay style. He met undergraduates from India, but they were too absorbed with politics in the home country. In football, Tunku played right wing for his college. In the summer, he played tennis. Like every other undergraduates, Tunku went about on a bicycle. Later he bought the latest Riley sports car with the money his mother cabled him. Few undergraduates owned cars in 1923 and Tunku became widely known for it. In 1924, Tunku sat for his examinations at the end of his second year, getting a pass in his B.A.
Five years after sailing from Singapore, he sailed home. The Crown agents secured Tunku a berth in a passenger ship, which stopped at Penang. Tunku was now 23. He met his eldest brother and explained why he had taken a Pass Degree in Law and History instead of an Honours Degree. Tunku Ibrahim, the Regent, listened without comment and after a short silence, he ordered Tunku to returned to England to be admitted to the English Bar. Although Tunku wanted to remain in Kedah, the Regent, despite his mild manner, was all-powerful. Tunku had no choice but to return to London and continued his study of law at the Inner Temple as a regular student. It was now 1926 and many other Malays had been sent to England to study Law. On Sundays, Tunku cooked curries in his flat and invited all the Malay students. On Tunku's initiative, the Malay Society of Great Britain was formed, with Tunku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan as President and Tunku Abdul Rahman of Kedah as Honorary Secretary and the driving force. It was in his second year as a law student in London that Tunku met Violet Coulson, an attractive lady who managed a restaurant where many Malayan students had their meals. When Tunku got tired of his law studies, he and Violet sometimes went dancing together. In May 1930, Tunku sat for Part One of the Bar examination. Although he managed to pass three papers, his failure in one paper resulted in him failing the whole examinations in Part One. Tunku sailed to Penang in January 1931. Since Tunku was on a State scholarship, he was automatically a government servant when he returned. His eldest brother, Tunku Ibrahim, was still the regent and he told Tunku that he was in disgrace for failing the Bar examinations in London.
A few days later on January 1931, Tunku was appointed a Cadet in the Kedah Civil Service. Later, He was transferred to Kulim as Assistant District Officer. In Kulim Tunku devoted much of his time touring the district and getting to know the problems of the peasants who made up 90% of the population. It was in Kulim that Tunku married Miss Chong Ah Yong, a friend's daughter who converted to Islam and became Meriam Chong. They were married by the local Kadi in Tunku's government quarters. Soon after Meriam's conversion to Islam she learnt to pray and when the fasting month began, she persuaded Tunku to do so too. A year after marriage, Tunku's daughter was born. He named her Tunku Khadijah. A year later, a son was born and named Tunku Ahmad Nerang. Tunku also devoted some of his time to prepare for Cadet's Law exam in order to qualify for promotion. He took the exams and passed it at the first attempt.
About a year later, Tunku was promoted to be District Officer of Padang Terap. The post of District Officer Padang Terap was unpopular because Kuala Nerang was rife with malaria. As soon as Tunku took over the district, he gave orders for a survey to be made of the swamps which bordered the town, obtained an estimate for draining them and applied for the State Secretariat for the necessary funds. Sadly, Tunku's plea for funds were rejected.
A month after Meriam gave birth to her second child, she contracted a severe attack of malaria. Although Tunku gave her the best remedies that he could obtain from Penang, and Meriam made a little progress. An English doctor from Alor Setar who visited her mistakenly gave her an injection of undiluted quinine that killed her instantly, It was tragic misadventure so that Tunku made no attempt to lodge an official report. Instead, he wrote again to the State Secretariat, asking that funds be made available to drain the swamps and to rid Kuala Nerang of the main breeding place of the carriers of malaria. This time the money came and the work was carried out under Tunku's supervision.
When news of Meriam's death reached Violet she handed over the management of her restaurant and sailed for Singapore without Tunku's knowledge. Once she arrived in Singapore, she wrote to Tunku, informing him of her arrival. Tunku immediately took the train to Singapore and net Violet at her hotel. Together they talked about old times and their long friendship. Tunku and Violet Coulson were later married by the Kadi in the Malay mosque in Arab Street according to Muslim rites.
It was arranged for Violet to live in Penang for there was a law in Kedah which forbade members of the royal family to marry non-Malays without the prior approval of the Ruler or Regent. Tunku Ibrahim, the Regent, was known to be strongly opposed to mixed marriages, but he died unexpectedly in 1934 and was succeeded as Regent by Tunku Mahmud, the Sultan's younger brother, who was more broad-minded and gave consent to the marriage. This enabled Violet to move to Kuala Nerang, but the Secretary to the Government showed his disapproval by transferring Tunku to the isolated post of District Officer at Langkawi.
The district consisted of a group of islands, thinly populated, sparsely cultivated and without roads. And it was the object of a legendary curse on a term of seven generations which had not yet expired. When Tunku applied for government funds to develop Langkawi his application was rejected. But ever-resourceful, Tunku's genius in winning co-operation from members of the public of all communities led to the construction of a much needed jetty and later to the opening of several earth roads using money and material which he collected.
Tunku also gathered information on the old legends which still haunted Langkawi and pieced together the tragic story of the beautiful Mahsuri, who had been unjustly sentenced to a cruel death, and who had cursed the islands as she died. Tunku caused a search to be made for her grave, and when it was found, totally neglected, he raised enough to meet the cost of providing a white marble covering and an inscribed headstone. New life returned to Langkawi, and Tunku declared that the period of Mahsuri's curse had expired.
The acting British Advisor at Kedah, S.W. Jones M.C.S. visited Langkawi and was so impressed by Tunku's initiative that he persuaded the Council of State to transfer and promote him to the post of District Officer of Sungai Petani, the most second most important district in Kedah. Langkawi was a Shangri-La for Violet, but Sungai Petani was a busy town and the centre of a large district, in which Tunku's every moment was occupied. Violet was no longer happy and Tunku had little time to spare to search for a remedy. Tunku soon became the most popular District Officer Sungai Petani had ever known.
As District Officer, Tunku received instructions from the State Secretariat to implement official decisions. Sometimes, Tunku disagreed with the instructions and wrote to Secretary to the Government expressing his views, although, as he anticipated, they were ignored. After some time, Tunku was summoned to an interview in Alor Setar and he was threatened with disciplinary action if he continued to oppose decisions taken by the state government. The warning only served to stiffen Tunku's resolve. Not long later, all district officers were ordered to enforced a new scheme involving taxi drivers. Tunku received complaints from taxi drivers in Sungai Petani who protested against the new scheme. Tunku then advised them to continue to operate their taxis, and to reject the new scheme. When some of the taxi drivers brought to the Magistrates' Court, where Tunku was on the bench he cautioned and discharged them in spite of vigorous protest from the Officer-in-Charge of the Police District.
The Commissioner of Police Kedah then called on the Secretary to the Government to complain about Tunku. This caused Tunku to be transferred with 24 hours' notice to Kulim as District Officer. The next morning, a convoy of about 40 taxis escorted Tunku to Kulim, which has about 40 miles away from Sungai Petani. In Kulim, Tunku's predecessor had already enforced the government order and there was nothing Tunku could do to help, sensing that his prospects for advancement were limited.
Tunku applied for long leave and left for England together with Violet. In London, Tunku and Violet decided on an amicable divorce. Violet then resumed the management of her restaurant in London. She later married an American who served in the United States Armed Forces as Judge Advocate in England.
After Tunku decided on an amicable divorce with his wife Violet Coulson in London, Tunku sat once more for the Bar Examinations. He planned to leave the Civil Service and to enter private practice as soon as he had qualified as an advocate and solicitor. In his first year in London in 1939, Tunku succeeded in passing the Part One Examination. At the same time, Hitler invaded Poland and Britain declared war on Germany. Tunku was recalled to Malaya and ordered to resume duty as District Officer in Kulim, where he remained for the next three years.
Tunku's mother renewed her appeals to him to get married and with her blessings he married Sharifah Rodziah Syed Alwi Barakbah, the daughter of Syed Alwi Barakbah of Alor Setar.
With the war brewing in Europe, Civil Defence schemes were prepared and implemented by district officers. Tunku was appointed Deputy Director of Air Raid Precautions for South Kedah. Tunku recognized the need to prepare for the evacuation of civilians in the event of invasion and in 1941 he gave orders for the constructions of six "Long Houses" made of round timber and with attap roofs on a low hill about two miles away from the town. Funds for this work had been refused by the State Secretariat and Tunku therefore invited donations from local town dwellers who would benefit if evacuations became necessary. Japanese intelligence agents posing as photographers and hairdressers had been feature of every sizeable town in the peninsular for the past three years. In Kedah they moved about freely on second-hand bicycles and sent their photos and sketch maps of local area for the Japanese Consuls for onward transmission to Tokyo.
By October 1941, British troops had prepared defensive positions in North Kedah. Air fields at Sungai Petani and Butterworth were alive with fighters and bombers. The war would be between Titans-Great British and Japan. On the morning of December 8, 1941, Tunku received a telephone call in his house in Kulim. It was from a friend in Sungai Petani. The Invasion by the Japanese army had begun. The attack was quickly followed by the advance of General Yamashita's army which had landed unopposed on beaches near Songkla the previous night. A second assault force came ashore, unopposed, on the coast of Petani and advanced towards Betong and Kroh. A third but smaller force landed close to Kota Bharu in Kelantan despite vigorous opposition.
Unaware of the extent of the Japanese attack, Tunku went to his office and ordered general alert for his air wardens. Later that morning, he met the leading shopkeepers and advised them to evacuate their families to the "Long House". Apart from these precautions, life in Kulim was business as usual. But in Alor Setar, work came to a standstill. Shops and office were closed, and town dwellers hurried to nearby kampungs. The Regent. the British Advisor and a few senior officials met immediately in the Balai Besar for urgent discussions.
Tunku's eldest surviving brother, Tunku Badlishah, had succeeded Tunku Mahmud as Regent in 1937 when the latter died. He was now in control, since Sultan Abdul Hamid, although still alive, was a total invalid. At about 9 o'clock on the night of invasion, Syed Omar telephoned Tunku and told him that the Regent had decided to evacuate the 77 year-old Sultan to Penang, and thence to Singapore. Strangely, three nights earlier, Tunku had a dream where he saw his father sitting in his room and calling out to him.
Disagreeing with the decisions to evacuate the Sultan, Tunku telephoned the Regent and urged him to cancel the order. Tunku argued that the Sultan should remain with his people, though not necessarily to Alor Setar. His brother replied curtly that the decision had been taken and could not be altered. Frustrated but defiant, Tunku thought about the whole situation. A plan began to form in his mind, and half an hour later he telephoned Syed Omar. He then got into his car and drove rapidly to a little village called Sidim, 20 miles away.
On arrival, he met and told the Penghulu to prepare to receive the Sultan the very next day. On his return to Kulim, he contracted his friend, a District Health Inspector, and asked him to come to his house immediately. Tunku then explained what he intended to do and asked for his friend's assistance. Very early the next morning, Syed Omar called Tunku to inform him about the latest developments. The main roads south from Alor Setar ran through limitless acres of paddy land, before reaching Butterworth and Penang ferry.
Fifty miles from the capital there was a junction where a road led east to Kulim, 12 miles away. With his friend Tunku drove to the junction soon after seven o'clock in the morning, and parked his car along the road to Kulim. They then stood just inside an empty hut at the end junction and waited. Before long, two police jeeps drove past. They were the head of the convoy. Luckily for Tunku, all vehicles in the convoy had been directed to space out at two-minute intervals to avoid attracting the attention of Japanese war planes, armed with machine guns, which were patrolling the sky over North Kedah. Without his directive, Tunku's plan not might not have succeeded.
The next car that appeared were occupied by senior civil servants. The Regent followed two minutes later. His car had just disappeared down the road to Butterworth when the Rolls-Royce came into view. Tunku walked quickly to the centre of the road help up his right hand like a traffic constable, and stopped the yellow Rolls-Royce. Opening the door nearest to the Sultan, Tunku removed his helmet and made himself known to his father. He then told the Sultan that there had been a sudden change of plans and that the Sultan was to come to Kulim. Without saying a word, the Sultan nodded his approval. Tunku then told Syed Abu Bakar to drive ahead to Kulim, while he accompanied his father in the Rolls-Royce.
Just as the yellow car turned into the road leading to Kulim, the next vehicle in the extended column appeared in the distance, and drove straight on to Penang. When the rest of the convoy reached the Butterworth ferry, they discovered that the Sultan was not with them. Japanese planes were not far away and it was decided that they would proceed at once to Penang. Meanwhile, Tunku took his father to his house and made him comfortable in a large armchair. He then confessed that he had abducted his father so that he could remain with his people. Tunku said that he believed this would be Sultan's own wish, to which his father nodded. Soon afterwards, the Regent telephoned the Kulim Police Station from Penang.
The police station told the Regent that the Sultan was in Tunku's house. He then telephoned Tunku and ordered him to bring the Sultan to Penang immediately. But Tunku was adamant and disobey the Regent's order. The Regent was very angry and he threatened to arrest Tunku, Tunku will be arrested on 4 o'clock in the evening. It was midday. Tunku said nothing of the conversation with the Regent to his father of his wife. His wife served lunch and immediately after the meal Tunku took his father to Sidim. Penghulu Manap of Sidim had assembled all the young men of the neighborhood and they were waiting outside his house when two cars drove up. All the men carried spears, keris or long parang, one or two had brought single-barreled shotguns. Tunku then helped his father to step down from the car and to enter the house, where a bed, screened by a curtain been prepared.
Tunku then told the villagers that the Japanese army had invaded Kedah and had occupied Alor Setar. Tunku then returned to Kulim, but he left Tunku Yahaya at Sidim to keep his father accompanied. Meanwhile, news of the Regent's order for Tunku to be arrested by the police had spread through the town. A crowd of Tunku's friends had been surrounded his office and made it known that they would only allow Tunku in, and no one else. When Tunku returned to his house, he was greeted by his latest news. Asking his friend, Syed Abu Bakar, to stay with his wife, Tunku then drove to his office. When Tunku arrived at his office, he was greeted by a group of his friends. Tunku then explained the situation briefly to those present. After that, he went into his office and sat down alone. By then it was half-past three. At a quarter to four, the telephone on his desk rang. The Regent spoke again, but this time his voice had changed. He told Tunku that the Japanese are bombing Penang. As soon as the air raid has ceased, the Regent and his family require accommodation somewhere in Kulim. He told Tunku that he had cancelled the previous order by arresting him.
The Japanese had perpetrated indiscrimate bombing of civilians in Penang. It was repeated with greater destruction and loss of lives the following day. Later that evening, the Regent and his family arrived, visibly shaken. They were given accommodation in Tunku's house. The next morning, Tunku took the Regent and his family to Sidim where they were given accommodation in other small houses. They were all in Sidim when the second and more severe bombing of Penang town took place on December 11, 1941, which caused hundreds of civilians to be killed. Tunku's kidnapping operation turned out to be a very wise move indeed.
Upon returning, to Kulim later, Tunku found out that all the Police had taken off their uniforms and were no longer on duty. Tunku's first concern was to prevent looting and he called all members of the disbanded Kedah Volunteer Force in Kulim to come to his assistance. These men formed a vigilante corps and Tunku arranged for them to patrol the town at night. When night fell, Kulim was in total darkness. Before the British withdrew to Penang, they had destroyed the power station. In the course of his tour of the town, Tunku discovered that the rice stocks in the shops were very low.
The next morning, Tunku sent a lorry to the Government Rice Mill at Bagan Serai in Perak to bring back a full load of rice. To add Tunku's responsibilities, officials in State Secretariat had withdrawn from Alor Setar just before the Japanese army entered the town, and they came to Kulim to seek temporary accommodation. Fierce fighting took place between the British and the Japanese and by December 16, 1941, the Japanese army had occupied the west coast of Kedah, including all the main towns. The Japanese Military Governor of Kedah an assuming office appointed another of Tunku's brothers, Tunku Mohamed Jewa, to be a temporary Regent until the Sultan returned to Alor Setar.
On December 14, 1941, a Japanese Intelligence Officer met Tunku and began to make arrangements to the Sultan's returned to Alor Setar. Tunku took Lieutenant Nakamiai to Sidim the next day and the situation was explained to the Sultan. On December 17, the Sultan, the Regent and his family and senior officers of the State Government set off for Alor Setar with a military escort. They drove along the roads which had been shelled and bombed and over the bridges which were still wrecked, continued for 11 hours, and the old Sultan was completely exhausted when he finally arrived at his palace at Anak Bukit. In Kulim, Tunku relucantly remained as District Officer for another year as a servant to the Japanese Military Administration.
Friction between Tunku and the Japanese officials were frequent. When Tunku heard that the bungalows of several British rubber planters had been looted, he ordered his volunteers to collect all the looted articles and bring them to his house. When they arrived at the house, they were carefully listed and sent in a light lorry to be appropriate Japanese official in Alor Setar. The next day, Tunku was told to come to Alor Setar, but instead of receiving congratulations for his devotion to duty, the Japanese Custodian of Enemy Property accused Tunku of stealing nine knives which appeared in the list, but could not be found when the lorry arrived in Alor Setar. Tunku had never been called a thief, and it required exceptional self-control to resist the temptation to tell the Japanese official that only a fool would make such an accusation.
Early in 1943, a senior Japanese official in Alor Setar sent orders to Tunku to have all the trees on a rubber estate felled and have to the land planted with cotton, using forced labour. Tunku informed the official that cotton would not grow on the soil and furthermore he refused to force people in his district to work without pay on a project that could not possibly succeed. Tunku's blunt refusal brought speedy and vicious retribution. He was ordered to vacate his District Officer post and to proceed to report to work in Alor Setar next day.
In Alor Setar, Tunku was not given any position at the State Audit office. He was not given any government quarters to stay in and his house in Alor Setar had been taken over by the Japanese military. Finally, Tunku and his wife managed to stay with a friend who occupied a very small house. For more than a month, Tunku put up with the humiliation and discomfort under the Japanese administration. Then suddenly, the responsibility of the civil administration of Kedah was transferred to the Siamese. Among the Siamese officials who sent to Kedah was Tunku's boyhood friend, Travil. Soon after the takeover by the Siamese, Tunku was appointed the Superintendent of Education. With the appointment, Tunku's status was restored together with his house. During the Japanese occupation, all the English schools were closed while the Malay medium schools were without textbooks. Tunku decided to fill part of this vacuum by preparing a manual on good manners. Together with a friend, Senu Abdul Rahman, Tunku prepared the manual and distributed it to schools in the state.
In May 1943, while Tunku was still in Kulim, the old sultan appeared in Tunku's dream, saying, "Putra, I am ill." . Tunku collected all the petrol he could buy in the black market and drove to Alor Setar the next day. He met his father who was able to recognise him. A few days later, the Sultan died.
In 1942, the Japanese transported thousands of young male Malayans, the majority of them Malays, to work on the construction of a railway from North Siam to Burma. The railway was to provide the Japanese with land access to South Burma where they were fighting the British. The mortality rate among these Malayan labourers, due to disease and malnutrition, was very high. Cholera was common and lethal. In Early 1943, after months of increasing mortality and brutality, some Malay labourers escaped from construction camp in North Siam, and began to make their way, painfully and slowly, southwards. If they were captured by the Japanese, they were executed.
Late in 1943, the first few living skeletons arrived in Alor Setar. Their bodies, and in particular their legs, were covered with ulcers which gave out repulsive stench. In Alor Setar, there was open-sided market building where villagers came to sell their fruits and vegetables. It was sometime known as Pasar Yacoob, because Tunku Yaacob, elder half-brother of Tunku, had founded it before the war. Other people called it Pasar Rabu. The refugees strayed into his market to beg for food. Since the market also provided them with shelter, the refugees were relucant to leave. But men with skin disease were not welcome even for a single night. Market officials applied to the State Secretariat, the District Officer and the Medical Department for help, but no one was willing to take any official notice of the problem.
When Tunku, who was famous sympathy for the distressed heard about this problem, he visited the market, talked to some of the refugees and called a meeting at his house. His "Young Men" came and agreed to help. The first priority was to locate a shelter where the refugees could be housed, isolated from the public. Tunku located a vacant space near a house belonging to the Religious Affairs department, and commission a carpenter to erect a shed with long sleeping platforms that could accommodate a hundred persons. Tunku paid for the building with his own money and called it "Rumah Miskin"-Poor Man's House. This building provided a place for refugees to heal and recuperate so they could continue their journey home while others took their place.
A regular supply of food was the next priority. Rice was always plentiful in Kedah. Vegetables and coconut oil could be purchased cheaply in the market. Fish, fresh or dried, was always available but funds were nevertheless needed. Tunku and his "Young Men" managed to get some donations of goods and money, but from the beginning, the major cost of the undertaking was borne by Tunku. The food was cooked in Tunku's house, under the supervision of Tunku's wife, and delivered to the refugees by rickshaw. Being in close contact with the refugees, Tunku and his helpers all contracted the highly contagious disease on their hands. Refugees continue to arrive in early in 1945, but it became increasingly difficult to obtain donations to support them.
To raise fund, Tunku and his "Young Men" decided to stage two plays. There was a company of professional actors and actresses who performed Bangawan-style entertainment several times a week in an amusement park in Alor Setar. Tunku's two plays were staged on nights when there was no Bangasawan performance. Tunku and his entire cast even travelled to Perlis by lorry for a repeat performance. Unfortunately, the lorry broke down during their return journey, forcing them to return to Alor Setar by train. It is doubtful whether the "Rumah Miskin" benefited financially from this theatrical enterprise. The cost of production consumed nearly all the income, but it encouraged other sympathisers to continue their support. Only the Secretary to the Governor persisted in ignoring the disagreeable reality. In September 1945, when the war ended, the Centre was still under Tunku's supervision.
One of the first British Civil Affairs Officer to arrive in Alor Setar was a Special Welfare Officer named Miss Blake. Although very busy, she asked the Secretary to the Government if she could visit the centre, of which she had heard good reports. The Secretary to the Government took Miss Blake on a surprise visit to the "Poor Men's Home" without first informing Tunku, and claimed all the credits for himself and his officers. Tunku was therefore never given any official recognition for his great personal intiative and individual generosity. It was also sad to note that not one out of all hundreds of refugees who benefited from Tunku's "Rumah Miskin" ever wrote to say thank you.
On August 6 and 9, 1945, atom bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively. A week later, the Japanese Imperial government in Tokyo agreed to an unconditional surrender.
When the Japanese surrender was announced over the wireless in mid-August, plans were hurriedly prepared in Ceylon for the dispatch of a British Military Administration. At the same time, the top Communist leaders in Malaya, Fong Chong Pik, who was nicknamed "the Plen" and a young Malayan named Chin Peng decided to try seize control of the civil administration in as many states as possible. The communists quickly spread propaganda from the jungle, opposing the return of the British, and they moved their armed forces nearer to centers of population. If they were successful, they were likely to victimise those they accused of collaborating with the Japanese.
In Alor Setar, members of the Malay public became increasingly worried as news spread about incidents in outlying villages involving Communist guerrillas which included the abduction of village headmen. The Japanese army commander in Kedah who remained in his headquarters told Malay leaders who went to consult him that he saw no reason to interfere in the internal affairs of the State. Siamese officials, who had taken over responsibility for the Civil administration of Kedah from the Japanese in 1943, were busy preparing to return to Bangkok, and were equally adamant that the activities of communists were no concern of theirs. Even the State Secretariat and several of the most senior officers were nowhere to be seen, and the Central Police Station in Kedah was evacuated one night and left empty. Although this crisis was no concern of Tunku who was the Superintendent of Education, he assembled some of his trusted friends and from and unofficial Vigilante to maintain law and order, and to reoccupy the police station. Neither he nor any of his volunteers possessed firearms.
In Alor Janggus, a little town about six miles from Alor Setar, a group of communists supporters surrounded the police station after dark and confined the police personnel and three prominent Malay civilians in the lockup. As soon as Tunku received news of the incident, about three hours after it occurred, he asked his "Young Men" to set off across the country to Alor Janggus and restore order. They arrived just before dawn and entered the police station. Khir Johari told the leader of the Chinese youths that he had been sent by Tunku, who ordered them to free the police and the local civilians and to leave the police station, and not to interfere with the lawful government. The leader was impressed by the name of Tunku, but he explained that he had consult with his leader before he could withdraw. Khir Johari agreed to return an hour later. They walked to the house of the penghulu. The penghulu told Khir Johari that he will get some people to come along with him to the police station. An hour later, the penghulu and a group of supporters went with Tunku's men to the police station and watched while the local police were freed and resumed control. Tunku's young men then returned to Alor Setar to report back to Tunku.
News of the Alor Janggus incident quickly spread through the State capital and that night, a crowd gathered at the open ground in front of the Balai Besar, calling for Tunku. When Tunku appeared, the spokesmen of the group approached him. The supporters believed that the Communist guerrillas are planning to enter Alor Setar and take control of government. The whole group wished to offer their services to fight off these guerrillas and defend the state capital. Tunku told the group to avoid bloodshed and violence. That same night, Tunku and Khir Johari drove to Kuala Nerang, 24 miles away. They were stopped at the roadblock in the little town of Pokok Sena, where the MPAJA had established their headquarters.
When Tunku identified himself to the young Chinese guard, they made no attempt to delay him further. In Kuala Nerang, Tunku drove to the police station and asked to see the OCPD. He was then taken to the Rest House, where Major Hasler had moved from the jungle after receiving news of the Japanese surrender. Tunku explained the explosive situation in Alor Setar, He then presented his plan to overcome this problem. Hasler readily agreed to cooperate, but since he had been ordered to remain at his headquarters, he sent Captain Burr instead.
After informing Captain Burr about the roadblock set up by communist guerrillas, Tunku and Khir Johari then returned to Alor Setar. Early in the morning, Captain Burr went to meet the Japanese commander in his office. Captain Burr told the commander that British troops were on their way to Penang by sea and would be arriving very soon. He then described the tense situation in Alor Setar, and the possibility of a communist invasion that would be resisted by Kedah Malays. Captain Burr continued almost word for word, as Tunku briefed him. The Colonel then stood up and marched stiffly out of the room, followed by the interpreter. A few minutes later, orders were shouted out loudly and echoed throughout the college buildings. Half an hour later, the interpreter came back into the room and asked Captain Burr to go to the front porch. At the front porch, Captain Burr watched three Japanese military lorried drives off each with a section of armed soldiers and a wooden barrier fitted with barbed wire. Captain Burr then drove to Tunku's house to describe the outcome of his visit.
Tunku's plan was completely successful. When a reconnaissance party of communist guerrillas found that all the roads leading to Alor Setar were blocked by well armed Japanese soldiers, the communist withdrew and made no further attempt to enter the capital as an organised body. As soon as it was known that the communist turned back and had not returned, Tunku was showered with expressions of admiration and gratitude from members of the public. IN every other district in Kedah, communist occupied district offices and police stations and organised public rallies at which they announced that Kedah had become a communist republican state. There can be no doubt that without Tunku's inspired intiative, there would have been bloodshed and Alor Setar would have been one of the worst catastrophes in the history of the Japanese Occupation. On August 19, the surrender of the Japanese army had became common knowledge in Alor Setar.
Further information: Malayan Union
On August 19, the surrender of the Japanese Army had became common knowledge in Alor Setar. With the Japanese surrender, several groups of people talked about Independence and discussed how it might be attained. Malay societies were formed all of the peninsular with similar objectives, but with no co-ordination. In Kedah, a body called "Saberkas" was the most active. Tunku's principal allies were all members of the society and he attended some of their discussions. But Tunku was already 40 years old and many of the members were only 20 or even younger and they grew impatient and hostile when Tunku cautioned them against trying to obtain Independence by force. After a time, Tunku resigned from active membership and continued only as their patron. On October 10, 1945, the Secretary of State for the Colonies issued his Policy Statement on a "Malayan Union." In Kedah, both the principal Malay organizations held protest meetings and rallies. Tunku spoke forcefully at these rallies, but he recommended opposition by peaceful means.
Sir Harold MacMichael, representing the British Government, arrived in Kuala Lumpur on October 11, 1945. he came to Alor Setar after visiting the Sultans of Johor, Selangor, Pahang, and Perak and securing their signatures to a new treaty. In Kedah, MacMichael was told that the Ruler would consult his Council of State before holding a discussion with him. With these consultations proceeded, rallies and processions in opposition to the treaty were held in every district and in the center of Alor Setar. Tunku was one of the most popular speakers in Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, and Kulim, but he was not invited to take part in any of the discussions convened by his half-brother, Sultan Badlishah. After three days of negotiations the Sultan followed the example of his brother rulers. The Sultan's surrender was vigorously criticized by the public and by Tunku. MacMichael flew back to London after securing all the signatures from the rulers for the new treaty. Then the British Prime Minister announced that the Malayan Union would come into effect on April 1, 1946. Tunku was despondent.
A British officer who had held Tunku's post before the war was appointed Superintendent of Education, Kedah. The State Government did not give Tunku any new post, and he remained passenger in the Education office. Despite of his immense popularity as a Malay leader, Tunku held no office in any Malay organisation, at a time when far-sighted planning and balanced opinions were of vital importance.
Tunku applied for 18 months' study leave and arranged to return to England to resume his law studies. He disembarked in Liverpool on December 27, 1946 and traveled by train to London. He rented a small ground floor flat in Barkston Gardens, Earl's Court, and remained there for the next 18 months.
England was still suffering from severe post-war shortage of food, clothing and petrol. These could only be purchased if coupons and cash were available. But coupons were never sufficient and Tunku received food parcels regularly from his wife and friends in Malaya. Tunku's London room quickly became a magnet for Malayan students. The Malay Society of Great Britain, which Tunku had founded before the war, was revived. Tunku was elected President, with Abdul Razak from Pahang as Vice President. As soon as Tunku had settled into his flat, he made enquiries at the Inns of Court for a law tutor.
Hart chose from those who he had rejected many foreign students, but he accepted Tunku. Tunku was required to present himself at Hart's room punctually at nine o'clock in the morning. Hart then alloted Tunku specific sections or topic for study. Tunku worked diligently with Hart fives days a week. After a year, Tunku asked Hart if he was ready to sit for the Bar Finals, but he was advised to study for another six months.
The ordeal of uncertainty continued for another month after the exams, and then one morning, Daisy, Tunku's housekeeper, came to his room with his morning cup of tea, telling him that he passed all his law exams. Tunku sailed back to Malaya on the P.&.O. Corfu in January 1949 to be met by his wife, children and friends in Penang.
A few days later he called on the Secretary to the Government to inform him that he was now a qualified advocate and solicitor, but the reception was neutral. Tunku was instructed to report to the State Legal Advisor for duty. His work was routine and he spent his days reading case files.
Further information: United Malay National Organisation
Tunku was then invited to accept the chairmanship of the Kedah branch of UMNO. This premier political party, which had been formed by Dato' Onn Bin Jaafar had expanded, almost beyond recognition, while Tunku was away in London. But before long, the Attorney-General, Fosters-Sutton, visited Kedah and met Tunku in his office to ask if he would like to take up a new appointment in Kuala Lumpur. Happily, Tunku accepted the offer. Secretly, the Secretary to the Government welcomed Tunku's departure from the state. Tunku's departure was an example of the skill which the Secretary to the Government disposed of any possible rival. In Kuala Lumpur, Tunku moved into one of a row of hurriedly constructed single-storey timber government quarters in Kia Peng Road. He was allotted an office in the Federal Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, together with other Deputy Public Prosecutors. The work was totally unfamiliar to Tunku and he spent almost every night studying case files, and preparing to appear in Court the next morning. Tunku's work received a favorable report and he was transferred with promotion, to the post of President of the Selangor Court. At the same time, political crisis was brewing in UMNO. When the Communist terrorists launched an armed rebellion from jungle bases, UMNO founder and president, Onn, felt the need for racial harmony and a non-communal political party.
In May 1949, he proposed that UMNO should create an Associated Membership and admit non-Malays into their organisation. His proposal was only relucantly accepted. When Onn asked another UMNO Assembly at a later date to agree to a form Malayan Nationality, he resigned as the President of UMNO when he failed to gain enough support for his proposal. The assembly, unprepared for these shock tactics, voted Onn back into office and accepted, relucantly his innovative proposal. In the months that followed, Onn started preparing his new proposals.
The next General Assembly was to be held in Kuala Lumpur in August 1951. Onn had made it known that if his proposals were not accepted in this meeting, he would resign, irrevocably. Early in August, Malay leaders discussed the crisis. They recognised that they must find a successor to Onn. Onn had set a phenomenally high standard of leadership and oratory skills. Other members of the Central Executive Committee compared notes, and admitted that none of them measured up to the national need. Captain Hussein Onn, the head of the youth section was certain to follow his father, Onn. It was at this point that the name of Tunku Abdul Rahman of Kedah was put forward. At that time, Tunku's qualities and ability as a leader were almost unknown outside Kedah. Finally, three candidates, including Tunku, were suggested to be nominated for the post of President if Onn stepped down. Abdul Razak, the State Secretary of Pahang and UMNO deputy president went to meet Tunku in his house, to ask him to agree to the nomination, but Tunku was relucant. Instead, Tunku replied that Razak himself was much better qualified to be nominated. But Razak convinced Tunku that he was much too young to gain the support of Malay masses.
After much persuasion, Tunku relucantly accepted the nomination. The UMNO Assembly met on August 23, 1951, on the roof garden of the Hotel Majestic, the most modern hotel in Kuala Lumpur at the time. The atmosphere at the roof garden was tense. Onn sat at a long table at one end of the hall, flanked by members of his executive committee. Delegates representing different State branches sat in groups. 75 members were eligible to vote. Onn made his farewell, inviting his audience to join him and his new party. He spoke for 45 minutes and reminded his audience that his resignation from UMNO was irrevocable. Nominations were called for. Three candidates were nominated for the post of President. Voting was by show of hands.
Tunku received 57 votes and his nearest rival had 11. The new President was then invited to address the members. In his speech, Tunku demanded that Independence should be granted to Malaya as soon as possible. His speech made a very favorable impression on his audience. The next day, Tunku's speech and news of his election was given prominence in the three Malay-language newspapers. Dr Ismail advised Tunku to study the art of public speaking. Sheikh Ahmad of Perlis urged him to read the world news and to become more familiar with current affairs, both local and international. He visited the UMNO headquarters in Johor Bahru and quickly realised that the staff and most of the members of the Executive Committee were still loyal to Onn. He therefore closed it. He then set up a skeleton headquarters in his own home in Telok Ayer Tawar, near Butterworth, and appointed a clerk, whose salary he paid himself. Tunku was still President of the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur, with daily duties to perform drawing a government salary and living in government quarters. Tunku informed the Chief Justice of his intention to resign from government service. Sir Henry Gurney, the High Commissioner, was informed of Tunku's decision. He realised how important it was for UMNO to continue to be in the hands of a responsible and enlightened leader.
A few days later, Tunku received an official letter from the High Commissioner. Apart from a modest monthly allowance from Kedah, that was Tunku's only regular income for many months to come. When Tunku closed the UMNO headquarters in Johor Bahru, party funds ceased to be available to the new President. Tunku sold two of his houses in Penang, and set off on a tour of state branches, driving his own car. He soon discovered that UMNO members at Branch and District levels had not yet been influenced by Onn's final resignation or his call to them to join his new party. Onn had spoken to his audiences in Malay with polished fluency, at length and often in an aggressive manner.
Tunku had none of Onn's fluency or oratorical talent. He studied for so many years in England and more recently had held appointments where English was spoken, so he was not fluent in Malay. But in the eyes of many kampung Malays, even this was not regarded as a serious disadvantage. Oratory skills had never been a gift possessed by or required of Malay royalty. Tunku possessed certain assets which offset Onn's superior talents. In the eyes of the average UMNO member, Tunku was first and foremost the brother of the Sultan of Kedah, and a member of a royal house. In 1951, this still carried a lot of weight. Tunku possessed charisma that affected even those who were ready to be hostile. Tunku also had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh and he had acquired a wealth of experience as a district officer in Kedah, which enable him to understand and sympathise with the problems of the rural population, who made up a large proportion of the UMNO membership.
Further information: Alliance Party/Barisan Nasional
At the time of Hussein Onn's resignation from the presidency of UMNO, he had predicted that the party would disintegrate with in three months. But even before the end of that period, it became clear that although influential Chinese and some prominent Indians and Ceylonese had become members of Hussein Onn's new party, very few Malays had done so. Tunku held and expressed the view that Malayan communities could not be united within a single political party. He believed that each community need its own political party and its own political leaders, and he was proved to be right. The first trial of strength between all the rival political parties took place in January 1952.
On October 6, 1951, Sir Henry Gurney was killed in an ambush by Communist terrorists. He was replaced by General Sir Gerald Templer who brought with him a new policy from the British Government in London. Templer was to guide the people of Malaya towards the attainment of a United Malayan Nation. The policy had also called for the partnership of all communities. To put this new policy into effect, the government had agreed to hold elections at the Municipal and Town Council level, as a first step towards a democratic government, and Kuala Lumpur was chosen as one of the venues for the experiment. All the existing political parties were prepared to contest.
One of these political organisation was the Malayan Chinese Association, or MCA. MCA was brought into existence in 1949 by tow far-sighted men, Colonel H.S Lee, the President of the Selangor Mining Association, and Tan Cheng Lock of Malacca, who had been recognised even before the war as a spokesmen for the Chinese of Malayan origin. Col. H.S Lee was the Chairman of the Selangor Branch of the MCA. It occurred to him that if MCA and UMNO formed an alliance at the municipal level, their chances of success would be greater. Together with his deputy, they met and sought the approval of Dato' Yahaya, the Chairman of UMNO in Kuala Lumpur. They quickly reached an agreement. Under the chairmanship of Col. H.S. Lee, a combined committee from the MCA and UMNO was formed and 12 candidates were selected, one for each area, some Malays, some Chinese and one Indian. The committee then began a vigorous campaign to enlist support for "The Alliance".
News of the venture appeared in all the leading newspapers. Tunku was in Province Wellesley when he read the news. He received a telephone call from an UMNO leader in Kuala Lumpur asking him to come back at once for a discussion. On his way to meet the UMNO leaders in Kuala Lumpur, he saw a leading member of Independence of Malayan Party, or IMP, and asked for his opinion of the "Alliance." Tunku was confronted by protesting political colleagues, but he told them that he supported the Alliance and Intended to help in the campaign in Kuala Lumpur.
Tan Cheng Lock was in a more delicate position. He was a founding member of IMP and also President of MCA. Many members of the Central Committee of the MCA were also members of IMP and they strongly criticised Col. Lee. But Tunku's prompt public support for the Alliance helped Tan Cheng Lock to resist pressure from the other MCA leaders. He avoided making public statements for as long as he could. Eventually he gave the Alliance his belated blessings. At the counting of votes on February 16, 1952, the "Alliance" won nine seats, IMP, two and an Independent one. The success of UMNO-MCA alliance was repeated in other municipal and town council elections, starting in Johor Bahru, where, to the chargrin of Dato' Onn, the Alliance won all the seats.
Tunku followed up the Municipal elections by holding a 'Round Table Conference' on February 3, 1953, attended by leaders of the MCA and UMNO, in the Selangor Miner's Club, Kuala Lumpur. Everyone agreed to establish a permanent alliance of UMNO and MCA as a political body with Independence for Malaya as its principal objective.
They also discussed the possibility of forming a united front with Independence of Malayan Party, or the IMP. Tunku arranged a meeting with Onn. He brougt H.S. Lee and Dr Ismail. Onn brought three lawyers and two Malay civil servants. At the meeting, Onn told Tunku that IMP could only work together with the Alliance leaders if they disbanded the Alliance and joined IMP. Tunku tried to find some ground for compromise, but Onn was adamant and the meeting ended. Tunku disagreed fundamentally with Onn's conception of a single political party consisting of members of all communities. He knew by instinct that each community needed its own political party. The challenge that lay befre him was finding a way to unite the communal parties. Soon, the Alliance leaders met again to discuss their campaign. They drew up proposals which included a request for an elected majority and a firm date for the first elections.
At the Legislative Council, when the demands by the Alliance were discussed, Onn told the Legislative Council that the holding of the elections should be planned as a gradual process and he questioned Tunku's demand. Onn's remarks were relayed to the Secretary of State and damaged Tunku's image.
In August 1953, Gerald Templer offered Tunku a portfolio in the Government, but Tunku refused it. Later in July 1953, the government set up a working committee to examine the possibility of holding State and Federal Elections. The committee was set up after Templer obtained the concurrence of Malay Rulers who at first were quite reluctant to accept such proposals due to their deep-rooted fear of what might befall them if Independence were granted. When the names of the members of the Election Committee were announced, Tunku observed that a majority of them were Hussein Onn's supporters.
During the discussion, the members found themselves in two groups. The majority approved certain recommendations while the Alliance minority disagreed and made their own proposals. When the majority recommendations were accepted and proposed by the Government. Alliance representatives all over the country attacked the Government's proposals with a new rallying cry - 'Merdeka'. By then, recommendations had been forwarded to London, and Tunku in consultations with the Alliance leaders decided that they must ask for an interview with the Secretary of State in London. Tunku sent a long telegram to the Secretary of State asking him to meet a delegation from the Alliance.
On April 14, 1954, a reply was received from the Secretary of State who rejected the request for an interview. Emergency meetings of UMNO and MCA leaders were held and a decision was made. The decision was severely criticized both inside and outside the Alliance and it required great courage and determination for Tunku to proceed. Next were the financial problems. Tunku called for an emergency meeting at UMNO in Malacca where he asked for financial help. The response from UMNO members was swift. A quantity of money and even personal jewellery were handed to Tunku. After some final travel arrangements, Tunku and T.H Tan left Singapore on April 21, 1954, for London. Tunku flew to London to conscious of the doubts of his Alliance partners and the strong criticism from Government officials.
Before he left, he was aware that Hussein Onn had dissolved IMP and formed a new political party called 'Parti Negara'. Onn had abandoned his vision of an all-communities party and directed his attention to the Malay community. Tunku realised that Parti Negara would attempt to weaken UMNO and subvert some of his UMNO supporters. But Tunku also knew that he must act now if the granting of Independence was not to be delayed indefinitely. London in mid April 1954 was cold, damn and cheerless. There was not even one press reporter to meet Tunku. Knowing their financial resources were limited, Tunku took T.H. Tan with him to Gloucester Road Hotel and booked a double room. He then telephoned his old friend, David Rees, who was now a prominent member of the British Labour Party.
David Rees, was the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Colonies under the Labour government from 1947 to 1950. David Rees was a valuable and influential ally. Tunku and Tan went to meet him the next morning in his chambers near the Inner Temple. David Rees promised to do everything possible to persuade Oliver Lyttleton to receive Tunku and his delegation. His persuasion proved to be potent, and on April 24, Lyttleton agreed to meet Tunku. However, there was one problem. Lyttleton had arranged to leave for Uganda on an official visit on the following day and would not return until May 10. It was a long time to wait and it would be stretch their financial resources to the limit, but Tunku decided to stay on.
Meanwhile, with David Rees's help, Tunku gave a Press Conference at which he explained the popular support for the Alliance. He then had meetings with Members of Parliament of all three parties. Tunku's relaxed manner, they fluency of his spoken English and his genial personality attracted his audience and provided ample justification for his mission. When the contents of the 'Election Proposal' were released by the Colonial Office only then did Tunku discovered that the Secretary of State had not accepted all the recommendations of the Election Committee. But Tunku was not satisfied. He had asked for at least 60 elected members. A substantial majority of elected members was essential.
While Lyttleton was overseas Tunku prepared his brief and on May 14, Tunku, Abdul Razak and T.H Tan were ushered into the Secretary of State's room in the Colonial Office. Tunku explained in detail the Alliance's views on the importance of a workable elected majority and on the need for early elections, but the Secretary of State insisted that the Alliance try out the Colonial Office Election proposals. Tunku pressed on further for an agreement on at least three-fifths of the elected majority but the Secretary of State wouldn't commit to his suggestion.
Finally, the meeting came to an end. Tunku had to fly back on May 20, in order to attend the debate on the Elections Committee proposals in the Legislative Council. A letter from the Colonial Office was delivered to Tunku's hotel room on May 19. It was beautifully phrased, but the contents could be summarized in two words - no change. T.H Tan cabled the gist of the reply to the Alliance co-chairman, Tan Cheng Lock. He and Tunku then left London the next day, leaving Abdul Razak to open an UMNO-MCA Merdeka Freedom Bureau through which publicity material in support of early independence could be distributed in England.
In Kuala Lumpur, Tunku met members of the UMNO Executive Committee in the morning, and the "Alliance Round Table" members the same night. The Alliance leaders accepted the view that the mission had achieved a measure of success. It was also agreed that the request from the Secretary of State to give the elections proposals a trial could not be accepted. They have prepared a resolution which was drafted by Col. H.S. Lee, rejecting the Colonial Office proposals. The next day, Tunku, Dr. Ismail and Leong Yew Koh, the Secretary General of MCA took the Resolution to General Templer's office. Templer read the document without comment and then requested that the release of the resolutions to be press be delayed.
That night, in the privacy of another meeting of the Alliance Round Table, Tunku brought up a delicate question. With these prospects in view, were they ready to proceed? The answer was prompt and unanimous. Lyttleton's reply to the Alliance's request arrived 10 days after Templer's departure. MacGillivray, the new British High Commissioner, invited an Alliance delegation to the King's House for a meeting. He hoped that the Alliance members in the Executive and Legislative Council would continue to serve until the election debate was completed.
At the Alliance Round Table meeting that night, the Alliance was adamant and the boycott went into effect. About a thousand Alliance members at all levels took part. It was a subtle process with results that were not immediately felt, but which were cumulative. The boycott was widely criticized. The Secretary of State called for consultations with the Rulers by the High Commissioner. Tunku decided that the Alliance should take the initiative and present their views first.
On July 1, Tunku and a delegation of Alliance members called on Sultan Ibrahim of Johor and explained the Alliance's views to him on the holding of elections, the need for an elected majority and the importance of drafting a new Constitution for the country. The Sultan had learned the need for caution in constitutional controversies and he gave a genial but noncommittal reply. He also agreed to bring their views to a meeting of all Rulers which would be held in two weeks' time. That day, nearly 2,000 Alliance supporters assembled at the government office building in support of the proposals. Attempts to break the Alliance boycott were made by Michael Hogan, the Attorney General and David Gray, the acting Chief Secretary, Hogan and Gray met MacGillivray with their suggestions, and the High Commissioner agreed to their initiative.
Hogan and Gray then met H.S. Lee in Kuala Lumpur and explained the motive of their visit. H.S Lee then contacted Tunku and Dr.Ismail who were in Johor Bahru with the news. Tunku reacted positively to the compromise offered but he wanted further assurance from the High Commissioner himself. That night, two cars drove in darkness across the Causeway to the naval base in Singapore, where the 'Alert' was at anchor, and went onboard. It was 11pm and MacGillivray was more relaxed than at their previous meeting in King's House, but he would only give a qualified agreement since he would have to seek the approval of the Secretary of State before he could confirm his undertaking. On July 6, MacGillivray signed a letter agreeing to the Alliance's request after receiving approval from Lyttleton. The Alliance then called off the boycott.
After The Alliance called off the boycott, Elections to State Councils with Alliance participation could now proceed. Tunku and his colleagues traveled tirelessly to prepare for coming trial of strength. Tunku took Tan Cheng Lock and H.S Lee with him whenever possible and in particular when touring the northern Malay states, and emphasized the importance of unity among Malayans of all communities. At each State capital, the Alliance leaders called on the Ruler and assured him of their loyalty and support.
The links between UMNO and MCA grew stronger and on Tunku's initiative a National Council which became the supreme executive body of the Alliance was established. It took the place of the 'Round Table' which had no executive power and Tunku was formally recognized as 'Leader of the Alliance'. The first two elections to State Councils took place late in 1954 in Johor and Terengganu. In both state the Alliance won sweeping victories. Parti Negara did not capture a single seat. Tunku was now a popular figure in every state and in almost every kampung. He traveled constantly.
Towards the end of 1954, Tunku was invited by the Director of Operations to serve on the Federation War Executive Committee. It was Tunku's first direct introduction to the conduct of the Emergency terrorists, and it was a valuable experience. The government had promised to hold elections to the Federal Legislative Council in 1955, and in March of that year, It was announced that Nomination Day would be in June, and that July 27 would be Election Day. Many Malay government officers resigned in order to offer themselves as candidates. As nomination day approached, Tunku was plagued by demands that a high proportion of the candidates should be Malay.
Tunku brought the matter to the next UMNO Assembly and urged the members to adopt what he called "a policy of racial unselfishness". Tunku's arguments were compelling and he won a unanimous vote of confidence. Almost at the eleventh hour, Tunku's repeated emphasis on the importance of unity during the elections brought him a bonus. The Malayan Indian Congress, MIC, which had wavered in its support of Parti Negara, now promised to back the Alliance, representing the Indian community.
On Nomination day, the Alliance entered a candidate in every one of the 52 constituencies. Parti Negara entered 30 candidates. 29 Malays and one Chinese. Four other political parties entered a total of 29 candidates. Eighteen others stood as Independents. Two weeks before Nomination Day, Onn announced that he would stand in Johor Bharu, and challenged Tunku to stand against him. It was a tactical error. The Alliance let it be known that the Party would decide where Tunku should stand, and it gave the headquarters an opportunity to select a candidate who could be expected to defeat Onn.
Tunku chose Kuala Muda in Kedah, where he had been District Office before Second World War. The choice left him free to travel all over the country, by car, by boat, by bicycle, by lorry, and on foot. Tunku's seldom slept in the same bed two nights in a row, but he was tireless, inspiring and confident. He paid particular attention to the Malay majority constituencies where the Alliance had put up Chinese candidates. Dato' Onn also campaigned with feverish energy. He had resigned from the post of Member of Home Affairs in order to concentrate on the election.
Onn no longer hoped to win a majority, but he seemed confident that Parti Negara would provide substantial opposition. Tunku's resisted invitations to forecast the election results, but he let it be known that he was confident of an Alliance victory. It was only during the last week of the elections that Tunku toured his own constituency. Everywhere he went, he was promised total support. He spent the day before the elections in the UMNO House in Alor Setar and telephoned the Alliance headquarters in every state.
On polling day, after casting his vote, he drove himself on a whirlwind tour to constituencies in Kedah and then set off to Kuala Lumpur accompanied by T.H Tan. Tunku stopped at every main polling station en route, and only arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 11pm, making it possible for him to enter the town unrecognised. Tunku always enjoyed company of his friends but on the night of July 27, he was exhausted and wanted to be alone. Tunku spent the night at the Eastern Hotel, listening to the results of the elections until the Kuala Lumpur Radio Station went off air at 3AM.
Tunku had shared a room with T.H Tan before and it was not an experience he intended to repeat. But that night, he was too tired to move anywhere else, and he remained in Tan's room for what was left of the night. Tunku woke up after barely two hours of sleep. He Rose, took a bath and recited his morning prayers. While Tunku dressed, the first visitor arrived with a summary of the results from the Alliance headquarters. Tunku won with a majority of more than 20,000 votes, Sulaiman won with 5,943 votes against Dato' Onn only managed to secure 2,802 votes. The Alliance have won 51 seats, Pan Malayan Islamic Party won only one seat. Other parties did not captured any seats. Tunku was impressed that no politician in colonial territory ever won a 99 per cent election victory.
Tunku's next visitor was Col H.S Lee who brought suggestions for the composition of the Alliance Cabinet. While they talked, another message was relayed, conveying the congratulations of the High Commissioner on the Alliance victory. At the Alliance headquarters, more supporters came to congratulate Tunku. Later the same day, Tunku arrived at the UMNO headquarters in Johor Bahru. The road outside it was very crowded because everyone wanted to congratulate their President.
High Commissioner MacGillivray invited Tunku to the King's House for a first formal discussion on Sunday, July 31. Tunku handed the High Commissioner for a list of 11 Cabinet Minister: six Malays, three Chinese and two Indians. The list would still have to be passed to the Rulers for their formal concurrence that would take some time. On August 1, Tunku was received by a British Assistant Secretary to the Government at the Federal Secretariat building. He was escorted to his new office where a group of press photographers awaited him.
As soon as they had departed, Tunku asked if he could be shown the house he was to live in. Whether by inexcusable oversight or by deliberate neglect, no government quarters had been made ready for the Chief Minister. The Government Housing Officer was hurriedly summoned but he had nothing suitable to offer, but as a temporary solution he mentioned an old house in Hose Road, and suggested that Tunku might like to see it. They went there, but the paintwork both inside and outside was shabby and the furniture was worn and defective. A man in Tunku's distinguished position might have rejected the offer but Tunku preferred to avoid dispute on his first day in office. He agreed to occupy the house on the understanding having it repainted and, if necessary, repaired would be top priority.
Back in his office, Tunku asked when an official car for the Chief Minister would be available. His enquiry, it appeared, had been anticipated. Tunku would not allow these frustrations to influence him.
On August 9, Tunku made his first broadcast to the nation from an old wooden structure at Young Road, Kuala Lumpur. During the broadcast, he said:
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I am very determined to strive for self-government and Independence as soon as possible by constitutional means. Others have been obliged to fight the colonial power before they achieved their freedom and this will not be necessary in Malaya.
The Alliance has proved that they have the support of at least 80 per cent of adult population, and that the three principal communities worked closely together at all levels to win the election. I will take the opportunity to ask the new Secretary of State for the Colonies to arrange for constitutional talks in London as soon as possible since the present Federal Constitution is now workable during his visit to Kuala Lumpur.
The Malayan Emergency continues to obstruct progress and swallow up funds that should be used for development and I will try my best to end the Emergency through a fresh initiative. Finally, I assure government officers who belong to other political parties that they have no reason to fear official disfavor.
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There had been another General Election in United Kingdom, won again by the Conservatives. Alan Lennox-Boyd was the new Secretary of States for the Colonies. He was to visit Malaya and be present at the new Legislative Council meeting on September 1. At their first informal meeting at King's House in Kuala Lumpur, Tunku found in the new Secretary of States an unexpected affinity. They were able to speak freely and they shared a sense of humor. Lennox-Boyd agreed to hold constitutional talks in London in January 1956, provided that the Rulers were represented. When the Rulers met at their conferences in Kuala Lumpur in September 1956, Tunku sought and was granted a special audience. Tunku asked the Rulers to appoint representatives for the constitutional talks to be held in London. As the days for the talks get closer, travel plans were discussed.
Further information: Baling Talks
In dealing with the Emergency, Tunku had offered amnesty to the communist terrorists soon after he became Chief Minister. 186 "Safe Areas" were named in four million leaflets, which were dropped over the jungle from Air Force planes. The results had been disappointing but an unsigned letter from Communist headquarters in South Thailand asked for a ceasefire. Tunku showed the letter to MacGillivray and General Bourne. Then, with their agreement, Tunku issued a reply in the Press stating that he was willing to meet Chin Peng.
After a further exchange of letters, Tunku and Chin Peng met in Southeast Kedah near the Siamese border in December 1955. Tunku had 2 objectives for the meeting, one was to clarify the amnesty terms, the other was to make it clear that Tunku spoke for the people of Malaya and not as a representative of the British. Chin Peng could not accept the amnesty terms because the British did not allow communists in the jungle to enjoy equal status with other Malayans. Chin Peng demanded that the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) be legalised and be allowed to participate in the elections.
Singaporean Chief Minister David Marshall asked if the MCP would lay down their arms if Malaya was granted Independence, Chin Peng refused as the amnesty offer was unacceptable to the MCP, and that they would never disband the MCP. Discussions continued after dark without either side making any concessions. The talks failed to reach any agreement and ended at 10AM the next morning.
After Tunku and Lennox-Boyd agreed to hold constitutional talks in London in January 1956, provided that the Rulers were represented. When the Rulers met at their conferences in Kuala Lumpur in September 1956, Tunku sought and was sought and was granted a special audience. Tunku asked the Rulers to appoint representatives for the constitutional talks to be held in London. As the days for the talks got closer, travel plans were discussed.
Finally on January 1, 1956, the two delegations sailed together from Singapore to Karachi on the Asia, a large Italian passenger liner. They met everyday either in a screened portion of the dining saloon or in one of their cabins. Before they arrived at Karachi, their draft proposals had been finalized, and they entered Lancaster House in London on January 16, as the Merdeka Mission, with a single leader, Tunku.
Tunku and Lennox-Boyd were men of integrity and sincerity, who spoke cordially and frankly. Progress was unhurried but positive. Finally on February 8, 1956, Tunku's fifty-third birthday, he and Lennox-Boyd signed the Independence agreement. Tunku and his mission left London on February 16, had a short break in Cairo and landed in Singapore four days later.
The next day, Tunku went to Malacca where he had decided to make his first public announcement on their success. Standing erect, with his arm raised, Tunku rode in the leading car in the motorcade to the open reclamation ground beside the sea. His speech was simple and brief, muffled by the constant chorus of "Merdeka". Soon after Tunku's return from London, a Constitutional Commission as set up in Kuala Lumpur. The Commission travelled to every State, hearing evidence and receiving memoranda. The Alliance National Council spent months preparing a detailed memorandum from the Commission, most of which were accepted.
The Commissioner's report was published in Kuala Lumpur in February 1957. MacGillivray then set up a Working Committee to prepare final recommendations for the consideration of the British Government. When the subject of 'Jus Soli' was mentioned, Tunku, as the inspired diplomat, managed to persuade the MCA leaders to agree to is omission from the official recommendations. Only six months remained before the date which had been adopted for the proclamation of Independence. Tunku made an announcement inviting musicians both at home and abroad to compose a national anthem for Malaya.
He then set up a committee to help him judge the entries, which numbered over 70 including one by the world famous British composer, Benjamin Britten. After the first meeting of his committee, Tunku decided that the lyrics for the national anthem of Malaya must be in Malay. When they next met to listen to a shortlist of Malay compositions, Tunku recalled an old melody called 'Terang Bulan', it was even adopted by Sultan Idris of Perak as his state anthem back in 1888. Tunku asked the Inspector-General of Police arrange for the tune to be orchestrated and played by the Police band and the committee listened spellbound. The quest had ended and Tunku renamed the old tune 'Negaraku' and adopted it as the national anthem.
Tunku proclaiming Malayan independence.
Tunku also found time to select from Malay literature 'titles' from the old Malacca empires in the fifteenth century. When a date had been fixed for Independence Day, Tunku instructed the Director of Public Works to build a large open air stadium. He then set up a committee plan and organize the Independence ceremony and he named the stadium "Stadium Merdeka." Through the months that followed, Tunku maintained an unruffled calm and the final week of August arrived without any mishap. Near midnight on August 30, 1957, people began to gather on the playing field between the Moorish style government secretariat and the Tudor-style Selangor Club.
The Alliance's leaders stood near the flagpoles that were planted side by side at a tall flood lit clock tower. At midnight, the clock in the tower began to strike. The Union Jack on one flagpole and the new Federation Flag on the other began to move slowly and simultaneously. As the last stroke of midnight echoed above the heads of the crowd, a band played "God Save the King" followed by "Negaraku". The moment the band stopped playing the Malayan National Anthem, the silence was shattered by a roar that consisted of a single word, "MERDEKA," that was shouted repeatedly by at least 10,000 voices.
Very early in the morning on August 31, members of the public began to file through the entrance gates of 'Stadium Merdeka' to witness the Independence ceremony. A large rectangular carpeted dais stood at the center of the stadium. The Rulers, sheltered by yellow silk umbrellas were already in position on the dais. The 'Paramount Ruler' sat in the centre with the Duke on his right and Tunku on his left. The Duke handed the Constitutional Instrument to Tunku. Tunku then read aloud the Proclamation of Independence.
With his right arm raised, Tunku then shouted "MERDEKA!" and the crowd thundered "MERDEKA!" in response. Then the Malayan National Anthem "Negaraku" played as the flag of Federation of Malaya is raising. Euphoria swept over the country. Malaya had gained its independence. Tunku had dreamed of a near miracle and on August 31, 1957, he achieved it. A new multiracial nation was born
Abdul Rahman dominated the politics of independent Malaya (which became Malaysia in 1963), and led the Alliance to landslide wins in the 1959, and 1964 general elections.
The formation of Malaysia was one of Abdul Rahman's greatest achievements. In 1961 he made a speech at the Foreign Correspondents Association of Southeast Asia in Singapore, proposing a federation Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei. On 16 September 1963, with the federation of all these states except Brunei, Abdul Rahman was formally restyled Prime Minister of Malaysia.
However, the racial factor was worsened with the inclusion of Singapore, which increased the Chinese proportion to more than 40%. Both UMNO and the MCA were nervous about the possible appeal of Lee Kuan Yew's People's Action Party (PAP, then seen as a radical socialist party) to voters in Malaya, and tried to organise a party in Singapore to challenge Lee's position there. Lee in turn threatened to run PAP candidates in Malaya at the 1964 federal elections, despite an earlier agreement that he would not do so (see PAP-UMNO relations). This provoked Abdul Rahman to demand that Singapore withdraw from Malaysia.
On 7 August 1965, Abdul Rahman announced to the Parliament of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur that it should vote yes on the resolution to have Singapore leave the Federation, choosing to "sever all ties with a State Government that showed no measure of loyalty to its Central Government" as opposed to the undesirable method of repressing the PAP for its actions. Singapore's secession and independence became official on 9 August 1965.
At the 1969 general election, the Alliance's majority was greatly reduced. Demonstrations following the elections sparked the May 13 racial riots in Kuala Lumpur. Some UMNO leaders led by Tun Abdul Razak were critical of Abdul Rahman's leadership during these events, and an emergency committee MAGERAN took power and declared a state of emergency.
Abdul Rahman's powers as Prime Minister were severely curtailed, and on 22 September 1970, he was forced to resign as Prime Minister in favour of Abdul Razak. He subsequently resigned as UMNO President in June 1971, in the midst of severe opposition of the 'Young Turks' comprising party rebels such as Mahathir Mohammad and Musa Hitam. The duo later became Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia respectively.
After making Islam the official religion in 1960, Abdul Rahman established the Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM), an organisation to help Muslim converts adjust to new lives as Muslims. He was President of PERKIM until a year before his death. In 1961 Malaysia hosted the first International Qur'an Recital Competition, an event that developed from Abdul Rahman's idea when he organised the first state-level competition in Kedah in 1951.
On the occasion of his 80th birthday, Abdul Rahman stated in the 9 February 1983 edition of the newspaper The Star that the "country has a multi-racial population with various beliefs. Malaysia must continue as a secular State with Islam as the official religion." In the same issue of The Star, Abdul Rahman was supported by the third Malaysian Prime Minister, Hussein Onn, who stated that the "nation can still be functional as a secular state with Islam as the official religion."[1]
Being an avid sportsman, Tunku Abdul Rahman was a firm believer that sports can be a good catalyst in bringing about greater social unity among Malaysians of various races and religions. Therefore he supported and initiated many sports events. These included an international football tournament, the Pestabola Merdeka (Independence Football Festival) in 1957. The following year, he was elected as the first president of Asian Football Confederation (AFC), a post he held until 1976.
Tunku also loved horse racing and was a regular at the Selangor Turf Club. He claimed that his lucky number was 13, and that he would win horse races that were held on the 13th of the month, especially on Friday the 13th for him.
In 1977, having acquired substantial shares in The Star, a Penang-based newspaper, Abdul Rahman became the newspaper's Chairman. His columns, "Looking Back" and "As I See It", were critical of the government, and in 1987 Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad banned the newspaper. This led to a split in UMNO, with Abdul Rahman and another former Prime Minister, Tun Hussein Onn, setting up a new party called UMNO Malaysia, but its registration was quashed by Mahathir Mohamad, who set up his own UMNO Baru ("New UMNO"). Abdul Rahman later supported Semangat 46, a splinter group of UMNO led by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. He campaigned actively for the latter in the General election of 1990, but was already in very poor health. The well-educated, visionary Tunku clashes with Mahathir's brand of nationalism that was meant to help the economically and socially stunted Malays of Malaysia (allegedly due to the effect of colonial British 'divide and rule' system).
Tunku married at least four times. It was in Kulim that Tunku married his first wife, a Thai Chinese woman named Miss Chong Ah Yong, a friend's daughter who converted to Islam and became Meriam Chong. Soon after Meriam's conversion to Islam she learnt to pray, and when the fasting month began, she persuaded Tunku to do so too. A year after their marriage, Tunku's daughter Tunku Khadijah was born. A year later, a son Tunku Ahmad Nerang was born. A month after Meriam gave birth to her second child, she contracted a severe attack of malaria and died from a medical blunder, an injection of undiluted quinine.
On Meriam's death, Tunku wrote a letter to his former landlady in England, Violet Coulson. When the news of Meriam's death reached Violet, who dropped everything and turned up in Singapore. They were secretly married by the Kadi in the Malay mosque in Arab Street according to Muslim rites. After conversion, Violet's Muslim name was Puteh Bte Abdullah. Violet went to live in Penang because they had no approval of the Ruler or Regent. Tunku Ibrahim, the Regent, was strongly apposed to mixed marriages, but when he died unexpectedly in 1934 and was succeeded as Regent by Tunku Mahmud, the Sultan's younger brother, he consented to the marriage. Though their marriage went well, Tunku's responsibilities in the public service were all-consuming and after a separation where Violet returned to London, they were divorced amicably in 1947.
He then married Sharifah Rodziah Syed Alwi Barakbah, with whom he had no children but they adopted four, Sulaiman, Mariam, Sharifah Hanizah (granddaughter) and Faridah.
Wanting to have more children of his own, he secretly married another Chinese woman named Bibi Chong who converted upon marriage. He had two daughters with her, Tunku Noor Hayati and Tunku Mastura.[citation needed]
Tunku Abdul Rahman died peacefully on December 6, 1990 at the age of 87, and was buried at the Langgar Royal Mausoleum in Alor Star. Chief Secretary Tun Ahmad Sarji, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and a few others witnessed Tunku's last breath. Mahathir ordered Ahmad Sarji to announce Tunku's death to the nation and the world. Tunku's son, Tunku Ahmad Nerang heard a religious person saying, "Tunku whole-round [all rounder] in heaven with the righteous." This sums up what most people think about him.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Stamp Issues: In 1991, he adorned part of the collection of Past Prime Ministers of Malaysia stamps issue. In 2003, stamps of Tunku Abdul Rahman were issued to commemorate his 100th birthday anniversary and to pay tribute to him as he was the first prime minister of Malaysia since Malaysia became an independent nation in 1957.
