Tunku was born on February 8, 1903 in Alor Star, the capital of the State of
Kedah. He was the seventh prince of Sultan Abdul
Hamid Shah, the twenty fourth Sultan of Kedah, and Che Manjalara. Said to be a
robust and bright boy with a particular fondness for sports, Tunku received
his early education at the Debsurin School,
Bangkok and Penang Free School.
 On
a Kedah Government scholarship, he went on to study at St Catherine's College,
Cambridge University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in law and
history in 1925. A firsthand experience in racial discrimination with the
college's administration was said to have intensified his conviction in
fighting for equality and ignited his desire in making his homeland an
independent state, free from British colonialism.
His leadership flair also unfolded in England. Realizing the Malay students
there were not represented by any organization, he established the Kesatuan
Melayu Great Britain (Malay Association of Great
Britain) and became its first secretary.
After returning home, he joined the Kedah Civil Service as a cadet in the
Legal Advisor's Office, and then as a district
officer in several Kedah districts. He proved unpopular among some British
officials thanks to his outspokenness and tendency to introduce reforms in his
quest to improve the living standards of the people.
His attempt at completing his law studies at the Inner Temple in England in
1938 came to a halt due the outbreak of the Second
World War. He resumed his studies eight years later and came home with his
legal qualifications in 1949.
The political awareness he gained while making friends with people from
various nations in England did not go to waste, when
he was made chairman of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) soon
after his return. On August 26, 1951, Tunku became the UMNO President
succeeding Dato' Onn Jaafar. He travelled all
over the country meeting people from all walks of life to promote unity. His
efforts in overcoming the country's political problems by way of cooperation
among the various ethnic groups saw the birth of the Alliance Party in 1955.
 Under
his leadership, the Alliance won the country's first general election in July
1955. Tunku was then appointed the country's Chief Minister and Minister of
Home Affairs. In 1956, he led a mission to London for a discussion with the
British government concerning the independence for Malaya. The meeting
resulted in the signing of the Independent Treaty at Lancaster House in London
on February 8, 1956 and consequently, the
independence of Malaya in August 31, 1957. 1957, the Tunku (prince) became its
prime minister. Later, he was the principal architect of the alliance of
Malaya with Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah, which in 1963 resulted in the
creation of Malaysia. Abdul Rahman steered the federation through its first
difficult years.
Tunku Abdul Rahman, was fondly known as Putra by his family- a name given by
his father. But he was most remembered by the people
of Malaysia as Bapa Merdeka or even Bapa Malaysia. This means Father of Independence or Father of Malaysia as it was he who fought for
independence from the British in which a new nation called Malaysia was
finally declared in 1957.
Tunku Abdul Rahman remained as Prime Minister till 1970. Although his hometown
was in Alor Star, Tunku did not quite feel at home at the Yellow Palace. The
last time he stayed at the palace was his time spent just after his return
from England having completed his law degree. He spent most of his golden
years in Penang with his children on a property presented to him by the
government for his service to the country. The Yellow Palace is today a Royal Museum.
Tunku Abdul Rahman passed away on December 6, 1990 at the age of 87. He was
laid to rest alongside his beloved brothers and their father at the Langgar
Royal Mausoleum.
 The
Royal Mausoleum
Tunku Abdul Rahman's tomb at the Royal Mausoleum, Langgar. In Langgar, 9.6km
to the north of Alor Star, lies the Royal Mausoleum that holds many stories of
the past. This is also the royal burial ground in which many of Kedah's rulers
and warriors were laid to rest.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial
This memorial was set up in honor of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj,
Malaysia's first Prime Minister and the man who
brought Malaysia to its Independence. Within the memorial, which occupies a 3
ha piece of land, are a museum, an archive and library materials belonging to
the Tunku. This site was formerly the Tunku's residence and office during his
term as Prime Minister.
 The
memorial showcases the many aspects of Malaysia's first prime minister. It
offers visitors a deeper insight into the life of a respected world leader and
his legacy that continues to inspire the present. It also serves as a
permanent custodian for all archival, museum and library materials of the
Tunku as he was fondly called by
Malaysian's.
The exhibition space of the memorial covers 120,000 sq. meters and has massive
collection of museum items including the Tunku's archived materials, mementos,
books and letters. The memorial provides extensive information about the Tunku
and his achievements.
Visitors and researchers are able to view the materials on display and also
conduct research into the life and times of this
enigmatic statesman. Slide shows are held at the mini theatre.
Address: Jalan Dato' Onn, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-2694 7277
Open: 10am - 5.30pm (Tuesday - Sunday)
Closed: Monday (except School Holidays and Public Holidays)
Friday 12.15pm - 2.45pm
Admission: Free
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