Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysian lawyer and politician, 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia (b. 1922)

Tun Haji Abdul Razak bin Dato' Hussein, whose Jawi name is عبدالرزاق بن حسين, was a pivotal figure in Malaysian history, born on March 11, 1922, and passing away on January 14, 1976. He served as the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, holding the nation's highest office from September 1970 until his untimely death. Widely revered for his profound impact on the country's socio-economic landscape, Tun Razak is affectionately known as the "Father of Development" (Bapa Pembangunan) for his visionary leadership and dedication to national progress.

The Architect of Modern Malaysia: "Bapa Pembangunan"

As Prime Minister, Tun Razak spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at modernizing Malaysia, particularly focusing on rural upliftment, poverty eradication, and establishing critical infrastructure. His commitment to enhancing the living standards of all Malaysians, especially those in underserved areas, earned him the enduring title of "Father of Development." He believed that a strong nation was built on the foundation of a robust economy and equitable distribution of opportunities for its people.

Forging National Unity: The Establishment of Barisan Nasional

One of Tun Razak's most significant and lasting contributions was his instrumental role in establishing Barisan Nasional (BN) in 1973. This broad-based political coalition replaced the Alliance Party, which had governed Malaya and Malaysia since independence. The formation of Barisan Nasional was a strategic response to the May 13, 1969, racial riots, aiming to foster greater political stability and inter-ethnic harmony by uniting diverse ethnic-based parties under a single, cohesive banner. This new structure sought to ensure a more inclusive representation and robust governance. Barisan Nasional subsequently became the dominant political force in Malaysia, maintaining uninterrupted power until May 10, 2018, when it experienced a historic defeat in the 14th Malaysian General Election, notably under the leadership of Tun Razak's son, Dato' Sri Najib Razak.

Pioneering Economic Transformation: The New Economic Policy (NEP)

Beyond political restructuring, Tun Razak is globally recognized for conceptualizing and launching the Malaysian New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1971. This ambitious and far-reaching socio-economic affirmative action program was designed with two primary, interconnected objectives: first, to eradicate poverty among all Malaysians, irrespective of their ethnic background; and second, to restructure society to eliminate the identification of race with specific economic functions. The NEP sought to address historical economic imbalances and create a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities, particularly aiming to uplift the Bumiputera community through initiatives in education, employment, and business participation. While the NEP's implementation and long-term effects have been a subject of continuous discussion and review, it undeniably shaped Malaysia's economic trajectory and social fabric for several decades.

Enduring Legacy

Tun Razak's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to nation-building, his visionary economic policies, and his strategic efforts to foster political stability and national unity in a multi-ethnic society. His leadership laid crucial groundwork for Malaysia's journey towards becoming a modern, developed nation, leaving an indelible mark on its political, economic, and social landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tun Razak's Contributions

What is the significance of Tun Razak's title 'Father of Development'?

Tun Razak earned the title 'Father of Development' (Bapa Pembangunan) due to his relentless focus on modernizing Malaysia through comprehensive development plans. These plans prioritized rural infrastructure, poverty eradication programs, and educational reforms, all aimed at improving the overall living standards and economic opportunities for all Malaysians, especially in underserved regions.

Why was Barisan Nasional formed under Tun Razak's leadership?

Barisan Nasional (BN) was formed in 1973 under Tun Razak's leadership primarily to promote greater political stability and inter-ethnic harmony following the challenging period after the May 13, 1969, racial riots. It replaced the Alliance Party to create a broader, more inclusive coalition that better represented Malaysia's diverse ethnic communities, aiming for stronger and more unified governance.

What were the main objectives of the Malaysian New Economic Policy (NEP)?

Launched in 1971, the Malaysian New Economic Policy (NEP) had two main objectives: first, to eradicate poverty among all Malaysians, regardless of race; and second, to restructure society to eliminate the identification of race with specific economic functions. It aimed to address historical economic imbalances and ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities across all communities.

When did Barisan Nasional lose power in Malaysia?

Barisan Nasional, the coalition founded by Tun Razak, lost power for the first time in Malaysia's history on May 10, 2018, during the 14th Malaysian General Election. This marked the end of over six decades of continuous rule by the coalition and its predecessor, the Alliance Party.