Unity, diversity and multiculturalism were cornerstones of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj’s approach to nation-building. These are the values his son hopes will continue to guide the nation.
Revered as the Father of Independence, “Tunku”, as he was affectionately known, helped negotiate the country’s independence from British rule. He served as Malaysia’s first prime minister from 1957 to 1970.
His son, Suleiman, recently told FMT that his father envisioned an inclusive nation grounded in the harmony of its diverse communities, a vision he championed while leading a delegation to the British Parliament to press for independence.
“He assured the British that the Malays, Chinese, Indians and others would be united as one people, one nation. He had to convince the British at the time, and they believed in his vision,” Suleiman said.
“That was why the British granted us independence,” he said, adding that secularism was part of the plan for independence alongside recognition of Islam as the religion of the federation.
Suleiman recounted growing up in a household where people of every race and background came to meet his father, sometimes by the busload, with many dressed in traditional costumes.
He said that as children, he and his siblings saw their father welcome and treat everyone at their home the same.
Suleiman said his father advocated a “live and let live” philosophy, encouraging everyone to honour diverse ways of life while promoting harmony and unity among all races.
“He reminded us that everybody must be respected, regardless of the colour of their skin or their religion. And he didn’t just say it, he lived it.
“Above all, he called on us to work together selflessly for the progress of Malaysia, placing national unity above personal or communal interests,” he said.
To Tunku, independence meant more than freedom from colonial rule. Suleiman said Tunku wanted Malaysia to be a democratic nation, and he always told his children never to take the country’s independence for granted.
Suleiman, then only a toddler, fondly recalled an incident shortly after Tunku declared Malaya’s independence on Aug 31, 1957.
“My father returned home from Stadium Merdeka and lifted my sister and me into his arms. He asked us to raise our hands and shout ‘Merdeka’,” he said.
“He also reminded us to serve people sincerely, without putting personal interests first.”
Suleiman said that although his father’s values continue to guide his children’s lives, none of them entered politics. It was a choice, Suleiman said, that was meant to avoid allegations of nepotism.
Instead, Suleiman built a career in hospitality with an international hotel chain, where he insists on treating people equally, whether they are managers, waiters or housekeepers.
“That’s what I learnt from my father,” he said.
He also serves with the Penang state consultative goodwill council, often referred to as the Muhibbah Council, as its honorary secretary.
The council brings together more than 20 associations across communities to promote goodwill through cultural and social events.
Suleiman said younger Malaysians have much to learn about the need for togetherness.
“Unity is not about holding separate Malay, Chinese or Indian programmes. It’s about eating together, laughing together, and remembering we are all one nation. It’s about acknowledging all races, religions and cultures,” he said.
“If we lose our unity, we lose everything. Tunku’s wish for Malaysia to be a haven of peace is not just history. It must be our future too. The country can only remain strong if we are united.”
Tunku would want Malaysians to remember that today, he said.
