(The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, presented his speech, ‘Not because of position: Tun Dr Ismail and his time‘, at the launch of a book on former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman in Universiti Malaya on Aug 3. This is a translation of an excerpt from that speech, which was delivered in Bahasa Malaysia.)
Former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman is known for his genuine Malay nationalist spirit but he had never practised racism.
He had never sanctioned racial discrimination and often gave a reminder that the society in this country is not a regimented society.
Malaysian society is often emphasised as a multi-racial society with diverse cultures and traditions, and it is important for the country to have leaders who are moving towards creating a Malaysia which is united in this diversity.
As I read about Tun Dr Ismail, I realised more and more what an extraordinary person he was; a statesman, an inspirational leader and a visionary.
Tun Dr Ismail envisaged a Malaysia for all without colour lines, without ethnic borders and without any one group feeling a sense of inferiority.
He recognised the importance of open-mindedness in addressing day to day issues and problems; the importance of listening and learning from others, particularly from those who are more advanced.
Tun Dr Ismail fulfilled his last duty to the country five hours before he drew his last breath. At 5pm on Aug 2, 1973, he launched the Semenanjung Malay Students Coalition (Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung — GPMS) silver jubilee celebrations at the historical site of the Sultan Sulaiman Club in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.
In his speech at that function, Tun Dr Ismail stressed the importance of creating awareness among Malay parents and students of the need to arm themselves with knowledge which is on par with that achieved by other races, and to be in tune with current development and modernisation.
Ismail Abdul Rahman passed on 34 years ago. However, the principles of his struggle should not be buried in this hero‘s tomb.
The principles of his struggle must be revived, his appeals need to be echoed, and his integrity needs to be injected into the citizens of this country, especially among the younger generation.
God had decided that Dr Ismail‘s last message was to be given not at a political function, not a government function, not at a business centre but at a function organised by a students‘ society known as GPMS; his last message was a reminder to the young and to students. He was honoured with an academic award, a doctorate in philosophy — a recognition he received from an academic institution and his message was also aimed at academics and students.
Therefore, universities and students must take this as a message that God himself commissioned Dr Ismail to deliver this message — to leave a will through academic institutions and to undergraduates — that academic institutions, scholars and undergraduates must continue to light the sacred torch of the country‘s struggle to build up an army of educated citizens, an army of citizens with rational and open qualities, an army of citizens who strive to build unity in diversity, an army of citizens who have strong principles and an army of citizens who have high levels of integrity.
The spirit and principles of Dr Ismail‘s struggle in terms of his sacrifices, commitment, courage and integrity have to be instilled among students and led by scholars.
Our country is about to enter its 50th Merdeka celebration. This celebration is greeted in an atmosphere where leaders and citizens can be proud to be in an independent country which is peaceful, prosperous and successful.
This success which we have attained has to be defended and raised. This success which is inherited may not be permanent if the administration of the country fails to be implemented efficiently, effectively, wisely, smartly and carefully — in a way that is courteous, fair and just.
Note that today‘s generation is actually harvesting from the field of success which had been worked on by past leaders. Dr Ismail and his comrades were front line leaders for a country which had just attained independence.
At that time, there was not even one university in this country. Intellectuals and scholars were limited —so small in numbers. However, in the wake of these limited resources, the country managed to garner leaders who were good people; in the barren intellectual condition, there was in their souls a wealth of integrity and strong loyalty.
This first wave of leaders displayed very strong integrity which is hard to dispute.
They displayed faithfulness to their struggle, high principles and loyalty to their race and nation.
These first-wave leaders were the elites of their race then, most were from aristocratic lineage or upper middle-class, but their hearts and souls were always with the ordinary citizen —understanding the suffering and experiences of the farmers and ordinary labourers.
They took up the responsibility of speaking up for, and worked towards improving the fate of the lower classes and of all citizens. That was the spirit that enabled this country to become politically stable and economically prosperous.
After 50 years of independence, this spirit of helping the majority of the rakyat should not be something far away from the hearts of those with positions and power.
The poor and the lower classes still need to be and should continue to be helped.
The citizens‘ loyalty to their leaders must not be defiled by the actions of leaders, who stray from the path of truth, because they are driven by greed to obtain wealth for themselves and their families.
Leaders are like trees and the rakyat are like the roots, which will determine the health and height of the tree.
Learn from and make an example of the leadership qualities exhibited by Tun Dr Ismail and the first wave of post-Merdeka leaders, such as their genuineness, sacrifices, sincerity and integrity.
Source: www.theedgedaily.com (10 Agustus 2007)