TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library

PREFACE
It might be considered rather odd for anyone to attempt
to produce a book on the life of an eminent person without even
having met him once.
I only saw Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Malayan Prime
Minister at an election rally in Kuantan. It was way back in
1954. Since then much has happened and in 1957 the Tunku
led the nation into independence.
)
I am amongst those who believe that the very nature of
greatness precludes the necessity to have personal touch with
the subject who is so much in (he limelight and the gaze of
the public. This belief has prompted me to bring out this
modest birthday souvenir on the Tunku's 60th birthday. We
in Asia believe that the 60th year- or "shasliapthaburthi" in
Sanskrit - is a notable event in any man's life. It is indeed
much more important when that man is to guide the destiny
of a nation.
What 1 have attempted, here within my own limitations, is
to present the qualities of both the prince as a man and also
as a premier, as seen through many eyes and minds. In
compiling these "notes" 1 am fully aware that this volume is
by no means a complete assessment of the Tunku's accomplishments.
But I have endeavoured to include material, as
possible, that would reveal the Tunku's personality - the gay
sportsman and the serious statesman.
Malaya in the last sixty years has climbed from obscurity to
a prominent position in South East Asia and now is heard with