Tunku – An Odyssey of a Life Well-Lived and Well-Loved convincingly states that there is little doubt over the significant role played by Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia‘s history. Known as the Father of Independence and also Father of Malaysia, Tunku stands head and shoulders above the other leaders of the country as evidenced by the vast volumes of literature on the man and his achievements.
What makes Tunku’s life most interesting to every generation of Malaysians is perhaps the fact that he lived it to the full and with such zeal for life with all its contrariness. Who would, for instance, expect that a very easy-going-verging-on-self-induiging youth with all his evident love and preferences for the worldliness, was also a very religiously and spiritually committed man? Tunku takes his faith most seriously and served and contributed to lslam and its development as a humane and compassionate social force in Malaysia – and this can be said without fear of contradiction – more than any socio-political or religious leaders in this country, some of whom have even dared to project themselves as strong critics of Tunku’s Islamic credentials.
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Tunku – An Odyssey of a Life Well-Lived and Well-Loved offers a comprehensive account of Tunku’s life, both personal and political. lt studies Tunku’s life from his childhood, education and his eventful adulthood to his political ups and downs, his struggles as a private citizen and his enormous contributions to the nation, the Malays and lslam. It convincingly argues that, contrary to belief among certain quarters, it is the Tunku who not only defended but also installed the special position and privileges of the Malays as a fundamental criteria in the formation of the Federation of Malaya.
Besides his outstanding achievements in securing Malaysia’s sovereignty and independence and the formation of Malaysia, Tunku was also known to be incorruptible, which perhaps, has contributed to his being poorer after he stepped down after nearly two decades at the helm of the country. Staying true to his own self and his socio-political values in and out of office has gained him the love and respect of a multiracial society who will always remember this extraordinary man and much loved leader.
