TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library
TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library
TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library
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S. DURAI RAJA SINGAM<br />
Became also Minister for Information and Broadcasting<br />
(June). The University of Saigon conferred the Honorary<br />
degree of Doctor of Laws (October). Headed mission to<br />
London to discuss and agree in principle proposed formation<br />
of Federation of Malaysia (November).<br />
Saw the formation of the A.S.A. (Association of South East<br />
Asia) comprising Malaya, Thailand and the Philippines - the<br />
fruition of an idea propounded by the Tunku in 1959. The<br />
Association aims at greater economic and cultural cooperation<br />
between member states.<br />
1962 - Opened the Second Meeting of the A.S. A. Foreign Ministers<br />
which included the Vice-President and concurrently<br />
Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Mr. Emmanuel<br />
Pelaez and the Foreign Minister of Thailand, Mr.<br />
Thanat Khoman. Appointed First Chancellor of the<br />
University of Malaya (June). Headed second mission to<br />
London on formation of Malaysia (July). In October,<br />
on a 20 day visit to Tndia and Pakistan which proved<br />
a very successful tour. The Tunku's mission strengthened<br />
the bonds of friendship with Pakistan and Tndia. Whilst<br />
in Pakistan announced the concept for a Commonwealth<br />
of Muslim States. Again in Agra he said that India must<br />
surely be one of the members of an Islamic Commonwealth.<br />
Should such a Commonwealth become a reality<br />
it would help to bring about a realization of one of the<br />
main tenets of Islam,—the brotherhood of man. The<br />
concept of an Islamic Commonwealth was purely cultural<br />
and social, and had no politics behind it. Was conferred an<br />
honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at a special convocation<br />
of Aligarh Muslim University. Whilst in New Delhi paid<br />
his respects to Mahatma Gandhi, by placing a wreath at<br />
Rajghat, where Gandhiji was cremated. His visit to India<br />
coincided with Chinese aggression on the Indian border<br />
He was the first to support India's cause and pledged<br />
Malaya's support for India in her conflict with Communist<br />
China. On his triumphant return from India he inaugu-<br />
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