TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library

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