Tunku Abdul Rahman

"Father of Malaysia," who led Malaya to independence and formed Malaysia.

Life

Prince of Kedah

Tunku Abdul Rahman was a son of the Sultan of Kedah. He studied at Cambridge University in Britain, held public office after returning home, and in 1951 became president of UMNO.

Merdeka

He formed the Alliance Party with the Malayan Chinese Association and the Malayan Indian Congress, won the 1955 general election, and went to London for negotiations the following year. On August 31, 1957, Malaya became independent; at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur he shouted "Merdeka!" seven times, and he became the first Prime Minister. In 1963 he formed Malaysia, and in 1965 it parted ways with Singapore.

Malaysia

After the May 13 Incident of 1969 he gradually gave up power; he resigned in 1970 and died in 1990.

Legacy

Tunku Abdul Rahman is revered as the "Father of Malaysia."

Did you know? In his later years he wrote a great many newspaper columns recalling events before and after independence.

Key dates

• 1951Became president of UMNO
• 1957Malayan independence; became Prime Minister
• 1963Formed Malaysia
• 1965Singapore left Malaysia
• 1970Resigns
• 1990Died