COMMENT | Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, a statesperson for all M'sians

COMMENT | Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman – Malaysia’s second deputy prime minister who placed national interests and that of the people above everything else – has been justifiably described as “the best prime minister Malaysia never had”.

In the words of the late Mohd Salleh Abas, former Lord President of the Federal Court, “Had he [Ismail] not died prematurely, Malaysia would have been different and the rule of law would not have suffered any reversal and would have continued to safeguard the freedom and liberty of all citizens, as indeed it was meant to be.”

Whereas, Ooi Kee Beng in his well-researched book ‘The Reluctant Politician: Tun Dr Ismail and His Time’ concluded that he is one of Malaysia’s “most respected founding fathers and one of the region’s more far-sighted and practical thinkers.”

In paying tribute to his compatriot and deputy, Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia’s distinguished second prime minister, described him as a “great patriot” and “an outstanding statesman and leader”.

Thus, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent announcement that Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia will establish the Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman Chair “to appreciate the legacy of his leadership and thinking that supported racial unity” is a richly-deserved recognition for one of our nation’s most outstanding leaders in the post-independence era...