In conjunction with the 122nd posthumous birthday of the Father of the Nation, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar will officiate the opening of the commemorative event at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial tomorrow at 4 PM.
Minister of Unity, Dato' Aaron Dagang, posted on Facebook today saying: "Tunku Abdul Rahman was not only the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, but he is also a symbol of harmony and unity for our country."
"The late Tunku Abdul Rahman laid a solid foundation for the unity of Malaysian people of different races, religions, and cultures through tolerant, fair, and compassionate leadership."
Tunku Abdul Rahman was born on February 8, 1903, in Alor Setar, Kedah, and served as the first Prime Minister from August 31, 1957, to September 22, 1970.
Elsewhere, Deputy Director (Planning and Management) of the National Archives, Zaidin, stated that this event aligns with the Ministry of Unity's effort to propagate the history and legacy of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman.
He emphasized that the Father of the Nation made tremendous contributions towards the struggle for independence, economic development, and fostering a multi-religious and multi-racial Malaysian society.
While appearing on the Bernama Radio program "Commemorating Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial Event" today, he pointed out that Tunku Abdul Rahman established diplomatic relations with multiple countries and was active in international organizations such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
"The late Tunku was the founder of the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA), established in 1961 consisting of Malaya, Thailand, and the Philippines. ASA was later renamed to ASEAN on August 8, 1967.
"ASEAN now comprises 10 countries. This fully demonstrates that the services and contributions of the late Tunku benefitted not only the people of this country but also regional nations."
When inquired about how the Ministry of Unity ensures the nation's great figures are forever remembered in society through the National Archives, Zaidin said that to date, 11 memorials, galleries, libraries, and residences have been built and opened to the public.
"One of them is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial located on Jalan Dato' Onn, Kuala Lumpur, inaugurated on November 10, 1994."
"In addition, the Ministry of Unity organizes various developmental and promotional programs through the National Archives, aiming to promote the memorials, galleries, libraries, and residences of great figures."
Zaidin also hopes that such activities will promote understanding and appreciation among the various ethnic groups of the contributions and historical legacy of the nation's heroes.