It was an event to commemorate the 41st year of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein’s passing, but instead, it became a reflection on how far Malaysia has fallen from the ideals set by the second prime minister.

Tun Razak would be disappointed to see the current state of the country if he were alive, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said in his speech today at the launch of a book on the late statesman and father of Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The ruler said unity, education, implementation of the New Economic Policy, and matters of integrity and corruption would be of concern to Tun Razak.

He said political parties were playing up religious and racial issues to get support, when Tun Razak had, instead, stressed unity among the people.

“He once said, ‘The future of our country depends on one important thing, that is, the unity of our people of various races’,” Sultan Nazrin said at the launch of Fulfilling A Legacy – Tun Razak Foundation.

He said the National Education Policy in the Razak Report clearly stated that unity should be fostered through education.

“Today, we see that the education policy has slowly failed to unite the people. 

The new generation of various races who attend different streams of schooling do not have the opportunity to interact with one another. Instead, they grow up within the confines of their respective communities.”

The sultan lamented the implementation of the New Economic Policy, of which Tun Razak was the architect, that had veered from its original intention.

“There has been abuse in dividing the economic pie that has resulted in leakages in Malay equities, which not only caused non-Bumiputeras to regard the policy as discriminatory, but even Malays, too, have voiced their outrage.”

Sultan Nazrin said Tun Razak would be heartbroken to see the many exposes and arrests due to corruption.

“Many high-ranking and educated individuals are implicated, and huge amounts are involved. It puts a dent in our country’s reputation,” he said, adding that Tun Razak was remembered for his honesty and trustworthiness.

The ruler drew attention to how Tun Razak was very careful when dealing with money because of his belief that taxpayers’ funds should not be misused for himself and his family.

“Instead, he would pay back every sen that was spent, whether on a bottle of hair oil or a toothbrush, which was bought during official trips abroad.”

He said Tun Razak never clung to power, but believed in empowering the people and the next generation of leaders with responsibilities. – August 29, 2017.