Latest news with #TunkuAbdulRahman
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad: a 100-year mixed legacy
Mahathir Mohamad , the spry two-time prime minister of Malaysia, turned 100 on July 10. Visionary but detail-oriented, charismatic yet divisive, Mahathir has profoundly shaped the country's politics, economy and society over the past six decades. His entry into electoral politics was a turning point. In 1964, Mahathir contested his first parliamentary seat for Umno in Kedah. Unlike the United Malays National Organisation's urbane, first-generation leaders, Mahathir came from a rural background and articulated a more ethnically focused vision for Malaysia than was customary at the time. Following a brief period in the political wilderness, the result of his clashes with Malaysia's founding prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Mahathir rejoined Umno in the wake of the racial unrest of May 1969 . His rhetoric and outlook fit in with the country's conscious pivot towards addressing wealth disparities among its various ethnic groups. First ascending to the premiership in 1981, Mahathir led Malaysia for an unprecedented 22 years. His stewardship of the economy was, at the macro level, laudable. He was committed to balanced budgets, maintained a relatively open economy, prioritised infrastructure investment and courted foreign direct investment. The result was an average annual growth rate of 6 to 7 per cent. Tourists take pictures in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday with the Petronas Twin Towers in the background. Photo: AFP
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Tunku Abdul Rahman and Abu Bakar shine in Japan GT race
THE Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, praised the achievements of Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim at the GT World Challenge Asia in Japan. Their success at the Fuji Speedway Circuit has brought pride to Johor and Malaysia, highlighting the competitive spirit of Malaysian racers. Anwar shared his congratulations on Facebook, acknowledging Tunku Abdul Rahman's victory in the second race and Tunku Abu Bakar's third-place finish in the first race. 'Heartiest congratulations to Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim on his outstanding victory in the second race of the GT World Challenge Asia today,' he wrote. Tunku Abdul Rahman dominated the race, leading from start to finish alongside teammate Ben Green in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R #99. Meanwhile, Tunku Abu Bakar and Jordan Love in the #66 car faced misfortune, losing their podium position in the final corner due to a collision. Both Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) Corvette Z06 GT3.R cars started strong, securing the front row in the second race after qualifying first and second in the previous round. Their performance underscores Malaysia's growing presence in international motorsports. – Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
A dashing bachelor, dowry joke, a trusted butler and a bra prank
Bachelor admiral K Thanabalasingam still single, steady and strategic at age 89. KUALA LUMPUR : As Malaysia's first local navy chief, K Thanabalasingam felt deeply honoured by the attention. The young bachelor was equally surprised when Tunku Abdul Rahman personally extended dinner invitations to him. At first, Thanabalasingam, who became chief of naval staff at 31 in 1967, assumed these soirées were mere courtesy. Soon he realised the prime minister had a subtle, yet sharp agenda. Welcoming foreign dignitaries into his home, Tunku sought to showcase Malaysia's rising local talent. And what better exhibit than a poised, well‑mannered admiral. Over time, Tunku and Thanabalasingam struck a genuine friendship. 'Gradually, when he got to know me better, I could tell he liked my company,' Thana writes in The Admiral's Reflections. More than diplomacy, these dinners became a chance for candid conversation. On one occasion, Tunku teased him in front of visiting envoys: 'You're just waiting for a windfall.' When Thana asked what windfall, the Tunku quipped with a hearty laugh, 'A big fat dowry, of course.' The foreign dignitaries got the joke and laughed along. That playful quip shone a light on Thanabalasingam's easy-going charm, and whose unmarried status became as legendary as his command. In an interview with FMT about his memoir, Thanabalasingam, (Thana), 89, admitted he put career over marriage. Still, he had his share of romance. 'I once dated three daughters of a senior Malay official, and their parents trusted me completely in those more open days.' A handsome K Thanabalasingam as a cadet officer (left), in a yacht (centre) and as chief of naval staff in 1967. (K Thanabalasingam pics) Bachelor on the frontline Thana's status as a bachelor didn't just spark dinner table jests — it shaped how friends and foes viewed Malaysia's naval leadership. In July 1975, at the Navy Day parade at KD Malaya in Singapore, Tunku's successor Abdul Razak Hussein paid Thana a glowing tribute. He singled out Thana alongside fellow bachelor Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah of Petronas for their contributions to the country. 'Our nation is indeed fortunate to have these two special bachelors at this time,' Razak proclaimed. Yet it was in moments of grave tension that Thana's calm resolve truly shone. In 1968, after President Marcos ordered an air‑sea build‑up near Sabah, two Philippine aircraft buzzed a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) patrol craft off Sandakan. Summoned to an emergency cabinet meeting, the then-acting chief of armed forces staff knew that lives and sovereignty hung in the balance. His plan was swift: redeploy all available ships, aircraft and troops from Sarawak to Sabah for immediate reinforcement. Tunku, impressed by the on‑the‑spot recommendation, ordered its execution. He then surprised Thana by instructing him to hold a press conference to warn the Philippines that any further airspace violations would be met with force. To avoid probing press questions, Thana opted for a firm press statement instead. He chuckled when Manila fired back with their own press release, complete with detailed RMN strength estimates, 'information any open‑source keen observer could glean from Jane's Fighting Ships.' Philippine newspapers even sneered at his youth and bachelorhood as signs of inexperience. But there was no armed clash, and by year's end the frictions eased. Thana said due to the frosty relations between Malaysia and the Philippines, he never visited the country during his nine-year tenure as navy chief. K Thanabalasingam with Phee Kok Yam's daughter, Ming Yeen, then aged four (left). Phee with Ming Yeen after her graduation ceremony at Universiti Sains Penang (right). A lifelong bond Behind every great bachelor is an equally steadfast companion. For more than five decades, that friend has been Phee Kok Yam, Thana's butler, house manager and de facto family. Alor Setar-born Phee joined the RMN as a recruit in 1966 and served aboard KD Hang Tuah under commander Thana. In early 1968, Thana handpicked him to manage matters at his official residence, a role Phee has filled ever since. Today, Phee, 81, looks after all his personal affairs — house, garden, dogs, geese, fish and bills. 'I'd say he's not one in a million, but I prefer to call him my butler or major-domo,' said Thana. When Phee's wife and daughter embraced Thana's bachelor heart, they became more family to him than his own relatives. In The Admiral's Reflections, seven pages are devoted to their warmth, a testament to bonds forged beyond blood. That bond was tested on a fateful September night in 2015, when three robbers, armed with parangs, invaded Thana's Ampang home. Phee, ever loyal, shielded his employer and suffered a head wound requiring a dozen stitches. Thana fought back with his walking stick, hammering one attacker until police arrived. K Thanabalasingam on the KD Sri Pahang. (K Thanabalasingam pic) Flag prank Even a respected admiral couldn't resist youthful pranks. While commanding KD Sri Pahang, Thana once substituted 'flag India' (the naval signal for intending to berth) with a lady's undergarment — a bra. His shipmates roared, and whenever that cheeky silhouette fluttered at the mast, everyone knew exactly which ship it was. The joke stayed within the RMN until the senior officer flotilla ordered him to strike the 'flag' and report for an explanation. After a stern dressing down, he saluted and departed only to be asked, 'Where the hell did you get it?' Thana's salute froze mid-air. 'It's a long story, sir,' he quipped, earning a grudging grin and an invitation for drinks at the wardroom. He never hoisted that brassiere again, but the legend endures. To purchase the 492-page, The Admiral's Reflections, contact 019 261 4948.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Royal duo eyeing regal performance at 24 hours of Spa race
TUNKU Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim will carry the nation's challenge at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps race in Belgium this weekend. The royal duo, the sons of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, are representing Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) and will be behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R as they battle against 75 elite GT3 machines from around the globe in this gruelling endurance showdown. Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abu Bakar will share driving duties with Alexander Sims and Jordan Love. Tunku Abdul Rahman said their main focus in one of the most prestigious GT3 races this season is to first finish the race before targeting a win. 'We still have a long way to go as a team, and we want to be the best one out there. 'It's positive that things have gone this well so far, but this is just the beginning. There are a lot of strong teams and cars,' he posted on The Royal Johor Facebook page today. His younger brother, Tunku Abu Bakar, described their participation this time as an opportunity for the team to polish Malaysia's motorsports talent. 'This is the first year that we are running on our own as a team. We have a few crew members from Malaysia, and our focus is to get people back home to work and race with us internationally. 'Not only do we want to be on the top steps all the time, but part of that journey is bringing people from back home to help them achieve the same goals as us,' he said. Fans in Malaysia can watch the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps race via YouTube at
Barnama
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
Royal Duo Eyeing Regal Performance At 24 Hours Of Spa Race
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim will carry the nation's challenge at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps race in Belgium this weekend. The royal duo, the sons of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, are representing Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) and will be behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R as they battle against 75 elite GT3 machines from around the globe in this gruelling endurance showdown. Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abu Bakar will share driving duties with Alexander Sims and Jordan Love. bootstrap slideshow Tunku Abdul Rahman said their main focus in one of the most prestigious GT3 races this season is to first finish the race before targeting a win. 'We still have a long way to go as a team, and we want to be the best one out there. 'It's positive that things have gone this well so far, but this is just the beginning. There are a lot of strong teams and cars,' he posted on The Royal Johor Facebook page today. His younger brother, Tunku Abu Bakar, described their participation this time as an opportunity for the team to polish Malaysia's motorsports talent. 'This is the first year that we are running on our own as a team. We have a few crew members from Malaysia, and our focus is to get people back home to work and race with us internationally. 'Not only do we want to be on the top steps all the time, but part of that journey is bringing people from back home to help them achieve the same goals as us,' he said.
