Tunku: His Life and Times

This is the authorized biography of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj (1903-1990); it chronicles his royal ancestry, early childhood, education initiation into politics and culminating with his crowning achievement as the principal architect of Malaya's independence, while becoming famous as a patron of Asian football, local horseracing and traditional Malay culture. He did what no one else could have done then; he managed to transform Malaya from colonial administration to political independence and championed a policy of tolerance, moderation and intercommunal harmony.

Tunku's political intuition won instinctive trust from people of all races and walks of life. His message went straight to the hearts of all. His candour often rankled certain quarters and occasionally caused controversies he never intended. Those who came to know him realized he harboured no malice; he only wanted the best. For these and more, the prince of the royal house of Kedah deserves a unique in the annals of Malaysian history.