Conversations with Tunku Abdul Rahman: 1982-1984

by Abdullah Ahmad

Tunku Abdul Rahman was first the prime minister of Malaya and then of Malaysia (1957 70). In this never-before-published volume, the author a former journalist, newspaper director and political advisor, as well as political prisoner from 1976 81 shares many hours of his conversations with the Tunku held over two years in the early 1980s.

Read about the Tunku s hopes and fears about the future of Malaysia, and his thoughts on the elected king, the sultans and the Malays, the Indonesian Confrontation, the issue of Brunei, the separation of Singapore from Malaysia, communism and the neutralisation of Southeast Asia.

Genres: Politics, History, Biography

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad was Special Envoy to the United Nations between 1996–2000, the second man to hold the unique position since Malaysia’s independence. Born in Kelantan on 4 July 1937, he studied at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, Cambridge and Harvard.

As a young reporter in The Straits Times between 1957–60, his talent was spotted by Tun Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Rural Development. Abdullah was sent to the United States and on his return in 1962, Tun Razak brought him into his inner circle until his death on 14 January 1976.

He was a former Member of Parliament (Deputy Minister), a member of the Umno Supreme Council, a corporate figure and Special Envoy to the United Nations in New York. He was also detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) from 2 November 1976 to 30 July 1981. Tan Sri Abdullah was the Group Editor-in-Chief and Executive Director of The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad until he was sacked on 20 November 2003.

Reviews

[Abdullah Hussaini · Rating 5 out of 5]

"People can say anything about me but none will accuse me of ever having been a hypocrite." - Tunku.

Allahyarham Abdullah Ahmad was my favourite columnist in Sinar Harian before this. I read few of his books and this collection of Interview-Historical with Father of Malaysia is definitely a must read for all Malaysian.

[Caffeine Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are Tunku's views that I disagree with, and it is pertinent because however he decided then shaped and steer the nation towards the next direction. But, this book offers perspective and context to his thinking and decision-making process.

Through the conversations, I placed myself in his shoes and tried to see things from his lenses. Hence why books such as this, of personal account and stories, are important. Personal anecdotes are not something that history textbook or newspapers archive offer. But they are important for future generations to understand why a certain decision was made at the material time. Personal stories provided context and an inside into the lens that that person used to view issues and resolve them. You may agree or disagree. A person's lense is a sum, cumulative of his views and prejudices, of what he had experienced.

[Kirk D'Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important primary source for anyone interested in learning more about the formative years of Malaysia and the main visionaries behind this ambitious political project. It's rare and refreshing to find such candid comments from world leaders like Tunku Abdul Rahman. But what's even more noteworthy about this collection of interviews is that it represents the author's perspective of Malaysia's politics and society more than 30 years ago, untouched by three decades of national development, upheaval and transformation.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read from the man himself about the formative years of Malaysia.

[Tulster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be an additional read for students in secondary school.

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insider to the thought process of Tunku’s on his choices made.

[NaniM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never fond of politicians or interested to read about them before. This is the first politic book that I read, and I am glad i have pick this book. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj is really an interesting characters; humble, honest and full of principle. I learn to love and respect him not only for his title of bapa kemerdekaan Malaysia but also for his characteristic.

Too bad that most of the character discuss in this book is foreign to me, as I am not really interested in Malaysia politics and I am not yet born when most of this happened. Still I found this book is such a good read and a glimpse to a brilliant mind of Tunku on how he handle the situations, his reason and his philosophy in creating the ideal Malaysia.

[Harrison Cheng · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing look into Malaysia's first prime minister. Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad's access and familiarity with Tunku shows, and the book is overall a good read.