Tunku Abdul Rahman's Diplomatic Leadership

Tunku Abdul Rahman, esteemed as the inaugural Prime Minister of Malaya and subsequently Malaysia, holds a central position in the annals of the nation's history, celebrated for his adept diplomacy and forward-looking guidance that established the framework for modern Malaysia. Originating from Alor Star, he bore the lineage of Kedah's former Sultan, inheriting a heritage rich in governance and diplomatic skill.

Tunku Abdul Rahman's rise to prominence was characterized by a pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to public service. Educated in both Malaya and Thailand during his formative years, he cultivated a nuanced understanding of multiculturalism that would shape his political philosophy. His academic journey culminated in a graduation from Cambridge University in 1925, a testament to his intellectual prowess.

Despite initial setbacks in his legal aspirations due to an unsuccessful bar examination, Tunku Abdul Rahman's resilience propelled him into the civil service as a district officer upon his return to Malaya in 1931. Undeterred by adversity, he pursued advanced legal studies in London following World War II, eventually obtaining qualification as a barrister in 1949, enhancing his capabilities for the challenges ahead.

Tunku Abdul Rahman's entry into politics commenced in 1945, marked by his pivotal role as a founding member of UMNO, the United Malays National Organization. His elevation to the presidency of UMNO in 1951 signaled the outset of his political ascendancy. Recognizing the imperative of unity amidst ethnic diversity, he forged alliances with the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) and the Malayan Indian Congress, laying the groundwork for the Alliance Party, which played a crucial role in negotiating Malaya's independence.

As the head of the Alliance Party, Tunku Abdul Rahman's diplomatic adeptness came to the fore during the negotiations for Malaya's independence. His skillful navigation of intricate socio-political dynamics and facilitation of consensus among varied stakeholders culminated in the realization of Malaya's sovereignty and his historic appointment as its inaugural Prime Minister.

In hindsight, Tunku Abdul Rahman's legacy stands as a testament to the transformative influence of diplomacy and statesmanship. His strategic foresight and inclusive governance not only facilitated the path to independence but also fostered an environment for Malaysia's diverse cultural fabric to flourish on the global stage.
Tunku Abdul Rahman's Diplomatic Leadership

Mahathir Mohamad

Mahathir Mohamad
Considered the major architect of the so-called Malaysian economic miracle of the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Dato Seri Mahathir Mohamad was the the prime minister of Malaysia from 1981 to 2003.

Through his carrier as the leader of the Malaysia government he continuously advocated and propagated active intervention of the government and state institutions in economic development and economic restructuring of the country.

During his term in office Malaysia experienced one of the fastest rates of economic growth in the region.

Mahathir was born in Alor Setar , Kedah in 1925. He graduated from the University of Malaya in Singapore in 1953 and was working in the government medical service until 1957.

He became actively involved in politics from 1945, when he joined the Kedah Malay Union and Kedah Malay Youth Organization.

He joined the united Malays National Organization (UMNO) , the leading political party in Malaysia and won a parliamentary seat in 1946.

In 1974 he won a parliamentary seat and was appointed as the minster for education.

In 1976 he became the deputy prime minster and in 1978 he acquired the portfolio of the minster for trade and industry.

In 1981, Mahathir Mohamad became the president of the UMNO, the prime minster and the minister for home affairs.

As the prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad launched the “Look East Policy,” which envisioned rapid economic growth of the country through developing new work ethics adaptation of new technologies and developing quality education.

Mahathir led government continued to use five year indicative plans, which were introduced in the middle of the 1960s, as a basis for the official development strategy “Malaysia 2020.”

Malaysia five year indicative plans target certain economic growth and social changes and allocate public resources for priority sectors of the economy and for infrastructure development.

Among the priority projects controlled by the five year indicative plans were the national car (Proton) scheme, construction of a large steel complex (Perwaja) and several other large industrial enterprises.
Mahathir Mohamad

Tunku Abdul Rahman

Biography of Famous People
First Prime Minister of Malaya and Malaysia. A skilled negotiater, he was an architect of modern Malaysia.

Born in Alor Star, the son of former sultan of Kedah, Abdul Rahman was educated at school in Malaya and Thailand before attending Cambridge University, where he graduated in 1925. 

He studied law at Inner Temple in London but failed the bar exam. On his return to Malaya in 1931 he became a district officer in the civil service. After world war 2 he returned to London and qualified as a barrister (1949).

Abdul Rahman began his political career in 1945, when he became one of the founders on UMNO – United Malays National Organization.; in 1951 he was elected president of the organization. In this role he formed a coalition with Malayan Chinese Association – MCA and Malayan Indian Association., which became the alliance party.

As the leader of the alliance party he was involved in negotiation for the independence of Malaya and became the first Malayan Prime Minister. 
Biography of Famous People