Latest news with #Sambanthan
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Tun Sambanthan's Legacy Still Guides Unity Policies
PETALING JAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- The values and spirit of the late Tun V.T. Sambanthan in fostering racial unity continue to inspire the formulation of national unity policies today, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said Sambanthan's inclusive approach proved that Malaysia's ethnic diversity is not a barrier, but a strength that should be celebrated and embraced. 'Tun Sambanthan envisioned Malaysia's future not in colour, race or language, but through a shared commitment to nation-building. He was a leader who rose above racial lines in pursuit of national ideals,' he said when officiating the Commemorating Tun V.T. Sambanthan: Malaysia's First National Unity Minister programme here today. Also present were Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy, National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman and members of the late leader's family. Aaron said that as the first National Unity Minister, Sambanthan laid the foundation for early policies that upheld national harmony as a key pillar of society. 'He believed unity was not merely a slogan, but a way of life that must be instilled from a young age, strengthened within society and embedded in national policies,' he said. Aaron added that although there was no formal body like today's National Unity Advisory Council during Sambanthan's time, his efforts to promote interethnic dialogue laid important groundwork for current approaches to unity. He also urged the younger generation to emulate Sambanthan's leadership, rooted in service and sincerity. 'To Malaysia's youth, Tun Sambanthan's legacy offers key lessons. First, leadership is not about position or power, but about service and integrity. Second, in an increasingly complex world, we must defend the values of inclusivity and justice,' he said.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Uphold Tun Sambanthan's legacy
JUNE 16 marked the 106th birthday of Tun V.T. Sambanthan, a revered figure in Malaysia's journey towards unity and nation-building. Tun Sambanthan once said: 'While money fluctuates, morality endures and grows.' His words on compassion, unity and moral values remain deeply inspiring. His belief that 'good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma' still resonates today. In a multiracial country like Malaysia, unity is built on tolerance and acceptance. The more we nurture these values, the more harmonious our society becomes. Echoing these ideals, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah recently emphasised that in today's uncertain world, resilience, reinvention and, most crucially, collaboration are vital. His call to embrace pluralism, accommodate diversity and uphold human dignity reminds us of the very principles Tun Sambanthan championed. It is worth recalling that in 1972, Malaysia's second prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, appointed Sambanthan as the minister of National Unity – a position created to reflect the critical importance of maintaining harmony in a diverse nation. Tun Sambanthan's career is filled with significant milestones. He amicably resolved the issue of lion dance performance permits, a culturally sensitive matter at the time. He also took up the cause of salary disparities among teachers, engaging with then education minister Tun Hussein Onn to address the issue effectively. Affectionately known as 'pemangku perdana menteri' during his service, Sambanthan was a national figure whose contributions earned him enduring recognition. His legacy lives on, not only in memory but also on Malaysian roads: Jalan Lintang in Sungai Siput, where he hailed from, was renamed Jalan Tun Sambanthan. In Kuala Lumpur's Little India, several roads were also renamed in his honour. As we reflect on the journey ahead, we remember and honour the light left behind by Tun Sambanthan – a light that continues to guide our path towards unity and understanding. 'You have left us. But your light still shines bright, illuminates our paths and guides us.' Malaysia Nanban
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Tun V.T. Sambanthan's legacy: Unity, compassion, and values
JUNE 16 marked the 106th birthday of Tun V.T. Sambanthan, a revered figure in Malaysia's journey towards unity and nation-building. Tun Sambanthan once said: 'While money fluctuates, morality endures and grows.' His words on compassion, unity and moral values remain deeply inspiring. His belief that 'good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma' still resonates today. In a multiracial country like Malaysia, unity is built on tolerance and acceptance. The more we nurture these values, the more harmonious our society becomes. Echoing these ideals, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah recently emphasised that in today's uncertain world, resilience, reinvention and, most crucially, collaboration are vital. His call to embrace pluralism, accommodate diversity and uphold human dignity reminds us of the very principles Tun Sambanthan championed. It is worth recalling that in 1972, Malaysia's second prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, appointed Sambanthan as the minister of National Unity – a position created to reflect the critical importance of maintaining harmony in a diverse nation. Tun Sambanthan's career is filled with significant milestones. He amicably resolved the issue of lion dance performance permits, a culturally sensitive matter at the time. He also took up the cause of salary disparities among teachers, engaging with then education minister Tun Hussein Onn to address the issue effectively. Affectionately known as 'pemangku perdana menteri' during his service, Sambanthan was a national figure whose contributions earned him enduring recognition. His legacy lives on, not only in memory but also on Malaysian roads: Jalan Lintang in Sungai Siput, where he hailed from, was renamed Jalan Tun Sambanthan. In Kuala Lumpur's Little India, several roads were also renamed in his honour. As we reflect on the journey ahead, we remember and honour the light left behind by Tun Sambanthan – a light that continues to guide our path towards unity and understanding. 'You have left us. But your light still shines bright, illuminates our paths and guides us.' Peruji Perumal Sub-Editor Malaysia Nanban
