TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library

ALEX SOARS
the Asian Football Confederation and was offered a top appointment
in the International Football Federation which the Tunku declined.
Sports bodies in Malaya clamoured for this unique personality
with the 'golden touch'. Asian Badminton Associations made him
their first President. They had formed the Asian Badminton Confederation
on Thursday 30th July, 1959 at 10.30 am at the Tunku
Abdul Rahman Hall, Kuala Lumpur. Representatives from 13
nations attended the inaugural meeting.
One can go on and on showing the Tunku fostering and encouraging
sport. His patronage was eagerly sought and given to
widely divergent sports like weightlifting to motor racing.
Golf was given a boost when the Tunku inaugurated the Asian
Golf Championships three years ago. It is believed that the idea of
Malaysia was born on the Selangor Club golf links.
The racing public know this well known sportsman too. It has
been said that whenever the Tunku is on the course, see if any of
the Alliance Stable horses are running and have a bet on it. The
Tunku has a part interest in two of three horses running on the
Malayan turf.
Our visionary Prime Minister who has led the country to Independence
and looks forward to Malaysia, still has his dreams for
sport. The holding of the World Olympics in Malaya will be the fulfillment
of one of his most cherished dreams.
Tn conclusion one brings to mind odd incidents here and there
which demonstrate the Tunku's humility and regard for his fellow
men as a stamp of his greatness. The Merdeka Stadium was under
construction and the Tunku as usual whenever he had the time made
his pilgrimage to the site to see how things were coming along. A
young Malay mendicant approached the Tunku for alms and having
to his surprise received more than he had ever expected thought to
improve on the moment by asking for clothes. The Tunku asked him
to come to the istana but the mendicant said that was not possible
as the istana guards were efficent and would not let him pass. To
silence his opportuning the Tunku then divested himself of his own
jacket—the beggar overwhelmed by such generosity retired abashed.
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