M Santhananaban
I have always believed that both state and society must recognise, reward and always remember the most remarkable people in our midst.
I consider Tunku Abdul Rahman the most remarkable personage in our history. He not only obtained independence for our nation in a peaceful way but also, through his statesmanship, established our magnificent multicultural Malaysia. Malaysia as a brand, concept, symbol and ideal knows no parallel.
In business entrepreneurship, Robert Kuok remains the most successful person from Malaysia with his Shangri-La Hotels chain across six continents. He continues to provide the greatest symbolism of Malaysian courtesy and hospitality with the renowned Shangri-La brand. No one can take that from our country.
P Ramlee was the indisputable icon of modern Malay film, culture, music and society. Without his creative theatrical presence, there would be nothing anecdotal, nostalgic or noteworthy about the old Malaysian world.
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We have had numerous sports and science personalities who placed our nation in the spotlight at countless venues worldwide.
Pensions denied
It is regrettable to learn today that R Yogeswaran, a key hockey personality and schoolteacher is not being provided with a pension. I feel that our society and government are being callous, indifferent and forgetful.
I feel the same about the pension denied to Syed Ahmad Idid, a former High Court judge who was forced to resign in 1996, after he spoke out against corruption and misconduct. He acted courageously at a time when corruption thrived unspoken in certain supposedly sacrosanct institutions. We should honour his commitment and courage.
We should not let these things pass. We must reward and recognise those who have shown commitment to nation-building and who have contributed meaningfully and sacrificed so much to place our nation among the highest constellation of nations.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a retired Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Another notable personality who should not be forgotten is Dato L Krishnan for his contributions to Malay films.