TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library

J. S. H. CUNYNGHAM-BROWN
oromotes technical skills and has no false pride in calling to his aid
as many foreign instructors as are willing to assist to that end. His
ambassadors to foreign countries are in general carefully selected
and able men. He provides Malaya with as much, but only as much,
defence as it can afford. He knows instinctively that neutralism in
this modern world is an attractive but highly dangerous policy.
He is for peace, though not for peace at any price, but only for peace
if it is in any way honourably possible. And he is wise enough to
realize that a country is foolish to make a close ally of any country
much stronger than itself. In short the Tunku has no such ideas as
'Kadok melampau junjong; but realistically surveys the world around
him and makes only such promises as he knows the country can
afford and fulfil.
The Malays are not good haters - not for long at any rate. The
animosities of World War II have disappeared. Peaceful co-exisjence
has been established, with one exception. The Tunku has not
forgotten the Communist- inspired Emergency which lasted ten
years and cost much blood and treasure. He distrusts Communism
and will assist Democracy when attacked by Communism. Accordingly
he encourages financial assistance to India in its border
war with China,
In view of factors such as these, of geography and economy as
well as of temperamental inclination, it was sound politics on the
Tunku's part, as among his first actions to cause Malaya to join the
Commonwealth and the United Nations. In the former he has been
heard with respect over Apartheid in South Africa, exchange of
scholars under the Colombo plan and other matters; while in the
United Nations his voice has been for peace and for the establishment
of law and order by such practical means as financial aid and
the sending of Malayan troops to troubled areas overseas.
Nearer to our doors he has formed the A.S.A. among various
neighbouring countries of size and strength approximately equal to
Malaya, an association steadily being strengthened by growing commercial
ties; inspite of temporary political set-books; and to which
he is prepared to admit South Vietnam.
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