"Take care of our future generations." These were the words often uttered by the late Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Tapa each time the veteran politician met UMNO members and the media, including this writer.
For those who knew this man, synonymous with the dominant Malay political party UMNO, the phrase tells of only one thing – his desire to champion the Malay cause until the end.
Abdul Aziz, who passed away on Oct 4 at the age of 93, in sharing with the media the ups and downs of his political struggle right from the pre-independence days, had always voiced his concern over the fate of the Malays, especially the coming generations.
While the patriot and his peers have contributed to independence, peace and development enjoyed by the people now, in his mind there was always this question; What will be the future of the Malays if they lose their power base?
Getting close to the younger generation
Born and buried in Kampung Rim in Jasin, Malacca, Abdul Aziz was a teacher before he entered politics in 1946 by joining Onn Jaafar's Pergerakan Melayu Semenanjung Johor. When UMNO was established the same year, he joined the party and was active in its youth movement.
Abdul Aziz's struggle for the future generations is vouched by one of his protege, Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam, Malacca's former chief minister and former senator.
Mohd Ali during his days with Gerakan Belia 4B youth movement in the 1970s noted that youths have always been close to his heart and the veteran politician did his best in providing them support.
"In those days, seeking donation for the youth movement was quite difficult but Abdul Aziz was ever ready to help. He handed out a RM50 note, a big sum in those days," he said.
Mohd Ali, the former UMNO vice president and the chairman of Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad, recalled the seasoned politician also emphasised on sustaining peace and harmony to enable the coming generations grow up comfortably.
"He also requested us to take care of UMNO as it is the only platform that we have to champion the Malay cause, ensure the position and privileges of the Malays remain," he said.
What Mohd Ali misses most about the UMNO veteran is his quatrains, maxims and poems at UMNO assemblies, that deliver a strong message albeit his soft voice.
The Malays and UMNO
Abdul Aziz's second son Mohd Azam, 65, pointed out many might be wondering why Abdul Aziz was still defending the position of Malays and UMNO's supremacy even almost six decades after independence.
"Even a week before he passed away, about 30 former UMNO youth leaders from all over the nation met him at his home to talk on UMNO and the Malays.
"His message to them was that UMNO members and leaders have to remain loyal to the party, this is the only platform where the Malays could leverage for the benefit of the future generations," he said.
In his struggle for the community there was a time when Abdul Aziz had no time for his own family, something that really bothered his children and wife. Nonetheless, in retrospect, the family is proud of his invaluable sacrifices for the party, nation and race.
The things that one has to understand
Another leader close to Abdul Aziz is Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik, another former chief minister of Malacca and the chairman of an economic NGO, Gagasan Badan Ekonomi Melayu.
Abdul Rahim is also familiar with Abdul Azis's reminder for the future generations.
Though it may sound mundane, Abdul Aziz's words are highly meaningful for the Malays in seeking their destiny. In a nutshell, what he said was that the Malays have to make themselves strong in ensuring a promising future for the coming generations.
Passing the baton to the new generation
The demise of Abdul Aziz is a great loss for the nation. Abdul Aziz had told this writer once that there was no ending for his struggle and his struggle would be inherited by the coming generations.
"Defend UMNO, don't betray the party as it is the only effective political platform for the Malays." These were the words of Abdul Aziz that still reverberates in the ears of this writer.
It is now up to the new generation to continue Abdul Aziz's struggles for the well-being of not only the Malays, but also all Malaysians. -- Fadzli Ramli/Bernama
Bernama
Tue Oct 11 2016
Abdul Aziz breathed his last at the Malacca Putra Specialist Hospital on Oct 4, 2016 at 11.55am. - BERNAMApic/Files
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.