TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library

HAJI ABDUL MUBIN SHEPPARD
but even more in the ever widening ripple of Pesta's reviving
influence all over Malaya, which can still be recognised in 1962.
A year later, among a host of subjects which demanded
a decision by the Chief Minister before the proclamation of
Independence, two in particular called for impeccable good
taste and a knowledge of the Fine Arts.
A National Anthem and Orders of Chivalry are the hall
marks of an independent nation, but someone must select the
music of the anthem and design and approve the ribbons and
decorations.
Tunku Abdul Rahman gave orders for a competition to
be held, open to composers from any part of the Commonwealth,
and more than 200. tunes were entered. The final
choice, which was made by Tunku Abdul Rahman personally,
and with which we are all familiar, is another example of his
unerring good judgement. After considering entries which
included one from the distinguished composer Benjamin
Britten of England, the Tunku chose the tune which had
been adopted more than half a century earlier by Sultan Idris
of Perak, and which possessed a lilting majesty surpassing all
modern compositions. Tunku Abdul Rahman's choice, which
we know as "Negara-ku" has won the acclamation of music
lovers and men of taste all over the world.
Medals, ribbons and decorations have been created in such
profusion in so many countries during the present century, that
it is no easy task to devise new patterns and designs which
are both original and artistically satisfactory. Two new Federation
Orders of Chivalry were instituted in 1958: the Darjah
Utama Sri Mahkota Negara (D.M.N.) which is a Sovereign's
Order of one grade, and the Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan
Negara with four grades, to which a fifth has since been added.
Royal yellow predominates in the riband of the D.M.N., but
thin stripes of blue, red and white have been skilfully intro-
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