THE MEMOIRS OF MUSTAPHA HUSSAIN - Malaysia Today

Contesting the Post of UMNO President 375
– Sardon Jubir (later a Cabinet Minister) was too young, as noted by
both the press and UMNO members. In terms of qualifications and
experience, I had an edge as I had led a left-wing Malay political
party based on the Young Turk Movement; had participated in the war
to liberate Malaya; had been dismissed from a government position;
and had been jailed and was now an independent businessman.
– Dr Ismail bin Datuk Abdul Rahman (later Deputy Prime Minister)
was young and tied down to the government.
Then, Tunku Abdul Rahman (later the first Prime Minister), a Kedah
prince, came into the picture. On 23 July 1951, a month after news of my
nomination was published, Utusan Melayu reported that “Tunku Abdul
Rahman was willing to contest the UMNO President post.” He was to
resign from his government post. I had heard of the Tunku while he was
serving as a Magistrate and District Officer in Kedah. He was commendable
in character, loved football and the races, and was often portrayed
as a prince of the people. There were many stories about his kindness.
I had heard that soon after the capitulation of Singapore on 15
February 1942, the Tunku had arrived there to look for his brother-inlaw,
Volunteer Captain Raja Aman Shah. Until today, I feel truly sorry
that the Tunku was not ‘moved’ by God to seek me out. Together, we
could have worked to free Captain Raja Aman Shah because I knew
where he was detained. I was then monitoring the whereabouts and affairs
of Malay soldiers and volunteers trapped after the British surrender.
I was prepared to appeal to the Japanese Command to release him. We
are all God’s children. With support from the people and friends, I
emboldened myself to contest against this giant of a rival. I was in high
spirits; it was 1951, and I was only 41. I felt I could win. If KMM could
save almost two battalions of Malay soldiers, officers and volunteers, why
couldn’t my friends help me?
What I write now is what I can still remember after almost a quarter
of a century. After the announcement, many of my Malay customers came
to socialise with me. My European customers, shocked to see my photo
in the press, came to ask me if it was true. Who would have thought a
noodle-shop owner would be contending for the highest post in a Malay
political body? A little apprehensively, these Europeans wanted to know
what kind of foreign policies I would implement for Malaya. I explained
that I was going to demand full independence; all policies were to be
decided by the locals, with the British implementing decisions only where
necessary. They seemed happy with my answer and expressed their wish
to continue their service in an Independent Malaya under my leadership.
Then they ordered their usual bottles of beer.