Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Vision Of Unity Remains Relevant – Aaron

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) – The vision of unity in diversity championed by the nation’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, remains as relevant today as it was decades ago, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said.

He added that Tunku Abdul Rahman, widely known as ‘Bapa Kemerdekaan’, believed that national unity was the cornerstone of a strong and prosperous Malaysia.

"He saw Malaysia as a land where people of all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, or heritage, could come together in harmony and mutual respect.

"Tomorrow, we also mark what would have been the 122nd birthday of Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, a man whose vision, sacrifice, and leadership shaped the very foundation of our beloved Malaysia.

"His ideals extend far beyond the road to independence or his tenure as our first Prime Minister. They continue to inspire and guide us in our pursuit of national unity and progress," he said in his keynote address at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation’s (YTAR) 59th anniversary ceremony here today.

Aaron said YTAR, established in honour of Tunku Abdul Rahman, stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, unity, and nation-building.

In conjunction with Tunku Abdul Rahman’s 122nd birthday, Aaron, who is also YTAR chairman, announced that applications for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship will open from tomorrow until April 8, for Malaysians aspiring to pursue or currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at public or private universities in various fields.

"The scholarship includes nine types of allowances and a two-year leadership development programme to nurture young leaders.

"Through the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship programme, corporate partners have transformed scholarship giving, making it more equitable and comprehensive," he said, adding that Grab Malaysia, through its GrabScholar programme in collaboration with YTAR, will sponsor six scholarships in 2024 and another six in 2025.

He also welcomed new private university partners, which have joined YTAR’s mission through in-kind tuition fee sponsorships, including IMU University, Sunway Education Group, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, and Yayasan MSU.

Since 2020, YTAR has established impactful partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), securing pledges worth over RM22 million - comprising RM5.8 million in cash and RM16.5 million in tuition fee waivers from universities, he said.

The Closing The Gap programme, which is focused on higher education access and mentoring, has been made possible through OSK Foundation’s sponsorship of multiple cohorts, Aaron said.

"I am also delighted to announce that CIMB Foundation will be the 2025 sponsor of the Closing The Gap programme, which will support students in the Klang Valley, particularly those from People’s Housing Project (PPR) communities.

“The programme is also part of the Santuni MADANI initiative, a testament to the impactful public-private collaboration between CIMB Foundation and YTAR," he said.

Since its establishment in 1966, YTAR has empowered 9,500 young Malaysians through scholarships, financial aid, and development programmes.

-- BERNAMA