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