31 August 1957

History has a purpose.
We learn from its mistakes so that we may not repeat them.
We learn from its achivements so that we may emulate them.

For a nation that is now celebrating 50 years of Independence it pays to look back even as we move forward. If only to learn from the best. It was one thing to win independence. It was another to preserve it.

Tunku once said: "We are first and foremost, Malaysians. Everything else comes second."

If he had enriched anybody, it was us - the people of Malaysia. To us he gave the most precious thing of all. Freedom.

In the last public function that Tunku attended, he addressed the rakyat in the midst of a heavy downpour. A man who had dedicated his life to his country could have asked for so many things in return. For his memories to be set in stone.For his deeds to be written in songs. For his statue to be erected. But he asked for nothing of the sort.

What he did ask for was as selfless and as meaningful as his life. On that fateful day in Sarawak, Days before he died, in poor health but in great spirit, with tears coursing down his cheeks, he asked that we stand as one and be loyal to the country. He spoke from his wheelchair. But his vision was unimpaired. His spirit undefeated. His sincerity unmatched.

Here was Malaysia's first Prime Minister. Father of Independence. Prince of men. King of hearts. Asking nothing for himself. And everything for the people.

What a patriot. What a man. What a sacrifice. A sacrifice made together with those he unreservedly called his brothers and sisters for the country. For us.

After 50 years, it's time for us to look into the mirror and ask one simple but important question: are we worth it?