TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library

TRIBUTE TO TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
duced, and the result is a Sash of impressive dignity and refined
splendour. A handsome shade of royal blue is the
principal colour in the riband of all grades of the second
Order, with narrow stripes of yellow, red and white introduced
along the edges and down the centre. The Collar, Star and
Badge of both the D.M.N. and the Order of Pangkuan Negara
are talented examples of craftsmanship, but they owe much to
the artistic genius and originality of Tunku Abdul Rahman,
who was personally responsible for the final designs of both
ribbons and decorations, after receiving suggestions from a
Committee of Honours and Awards.
A few days before the first investiture of Malayan
Orders and Decorations, which coincided with the first anniversary
of Independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman made another
notable contribution to the cultural life of Malaya when he
declared open the National Art Gallery. It had been the
ambition of members of the Federation Arts Council for a
number of years to acquire a permanent building where exhibitions
of paintings and sculpture by Malayan artists could
be held. But there seemed to be little prospect of their hopes
being realised until one day in March 1958, soon after the end
of the E.C.A.F.E. Conference, the Chairman of the Arts
Council approached the Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman,
and enquired if it was possible for a portion of the Conference
building to be converted into an Art Gallery. With typical
spontaneous enthusiasm the Prime Minister ordered his car
and drove at once, to Ampang Road to inspect the rooms
which had been asked for. Half an hour later he had given
a favourable decision which has been of incalculable value to
Malayan artists. A two storied wing, spacious and selfcontained
thus became the home of the Malayan National
Gallery and has since provided the setting for more than
twenty national and international Exhibitions. Whenever
possible Tunku Abdul Rahman has declared open succeeding
annual exhibitions, and in many other ways has given
a new status to Malayan artists through his personal patronage.
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