TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library

It is a source of particular pride to us that of the six states in the Far
East formerly under British rule which have recently become selfgoverning
three have a Cambridge graduate chosen to be head of
their government. Among them this man upon whom we rejoice
to confer our honour to-day has already achieved a conspicuous
place, and he will leave a reputation which will deservedly last.
For he undertook a truly Herculean role, to persuade the three
commingled races who inhabited the great peninsula and were far
from likely to coalesce, that they should sink their differences and
work for a common policy. Yet against all expectations this was
accomplished, and in a surprisingly short time that independence
could be granted.
How, you may ask, did he effect this seeming miracle? By
patience, certainly, and skill; also by justified outspokenness in
season; but perhaps still more by tact and a rare geniality which
won the regard of men exceedingly diverse and then brought
them into harmony. For these qualities he was already conspicuous
while still a young man, when he studied, or at least resided, in
Cambridge as a member of Saint Catharine's College. There are
those who well remember.
He is said moreover to have left a lasting memorial of his
sojourn among us. For a Riley car which he used to drive about
the place is reputed to have led to the appointment for the future
of the Special Pro-Proctor for Motor Vehicles. He himself in
return has often shown that he remembers his foster-mother. For
one thing, he follows the precept of the poet Martial,
At ball the young, at ball the old should play,
to the extent of encouraging among his own people with most
enthusiastic support and patronage the game of football, which he
used to play here in those days.
i present to you the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya,
Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN PUTRA AL-HAJ
Honorary Fellow of Saint Catharine's College