My Personal Encounters With Tunku Abdul Rahman

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TUNKU Abdul Rahman was our first prime minister from 1957 until he stepped down in 1970. He was born on Feb 8, 1903 and passed away peacefully on Dec 6, 1990.
A commemoration ceremony was held on Feb 17 at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial at Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with his 122nd birth anniversary, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who expressed his admiration for Tunku.
Anwar was reported to have said “I do not deny his fundamental point, which is the humble personality who could win the hearts of people from all races in our country. It is difficult to find a statesman who can touch hearts and evoke emotions across all communities in our nation”.
I can certainly testify to that as I had the privilege of serving him as the driver on several occasions a few years after he had stepped down as prime minister. Below are some of my personal encounters with the great man.
In 1974, after dropping Tunku off at the Selangor Turf Club, I dashed in to catch a glimpse of the race at what is now the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). I remember some bystanders asking me something I did not understand.
Only later did I realise that they were asking for betting tips, as Tunku was known to be good at picking winning horses. On another occasion, Tunku was feeling hungry in the evening and asked me for a good place for ‘cheok’, using a Cantonese word.
It sounded like ‘cheeyoke’ and I offered no recommendation. His aide then told me to drive to Campbell Road, renamed Jalan Dang Wangi, and I realised that what the Tunku meant was ‘chook’ or porridge.
Another time, I made a mistake when I drove him to the wedding reception of a daughter of the late Tun Dr Ismail at Jalan Tun Ismail. Malay weddings in those days were less sombre affairs. There was always great entertainment and it was an enjoyable evening for everyone.
When it was over, I waited for several sultans to leave first as I was aware that their royal highnesses take precedence over a prime minister, serving or retired. However, suddenly there were people yelling for Tunku’s driver and I was told to rush to the main door with the car.
Tunku, himself a prince, had a special place in the hearts of the sultans. Their royal highnesses regarded Tunku as senior and felt obliged to see him off before leaving. Instead, while waiting for my car, he was sending off the sultans.
But there was not a word from Tunku while I drove him back to Kenny Hills, which was later renamed Bukit Tunku. Whenever I was assigned by my tour company to drive Tunku, he gave instructions to me in Malay and I drove silently to the destination.
I understand there are times that silence is golden and private space is treasured. Fifty-one years have passed but the memories of driving Tunku around have not diminished.
Half a century ago, I was a tourist guide and limousine driver. Back then, all tourist guides, male or female, were also limousine drivers. Whenever the Public Works Department runs out of pool cars with drivers, my tour company will be called to provide chauffeur-driven service.
I was one of the best English-speaking tourist guides and could have intelligent conversations with Tunku, but I acted dumb to give him privacy and space.
Those privileged to have met Tunku in person could feel his humility shining through and would accord him the sincerest respect. He was both a prince among royals and also among men. He was very kind and generous, and highly respected and admired.
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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