Tun Sambanthan’s Legacy Still Guides Unity Policies - Aaron

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 minister also proposed that the National Archives include exhibitions on national leaders such as Sambanthan as a mandatory component in its Arkib@Sekolah programme, to help students understand Malaysia’s historical foundations and appreciate the sacrifices of past leaders.

The event also saw the launch of the book Tun V.T. Sambanthan Speaks, published by the National Archives, which compiles selected speeches from his time as Unity Minister and Cabinet member.

To further honour his legacy, an oratory competition on the history and contributions of Tun V.T. Sambanthan will be held in November, organised by the National Land Finance Co-operative Society (NLFCS) in collaboration with the National Archives.

“Tun Sambanthan proved that a united Malaysia is not an idealistic dream, but an achievable goal that begins with mutual trust,” Aaron said.

Sambanthan was a key figure in Malaysia’s independence and unity efforts. He was the fifth president of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and was part of the historic delegation that negotiated independence alongside Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

As the country’s first National Unity Minister, he is remembered for promoting interethnic dialogue, advocating for education for the Indian community and establishing the NLFCS to help estate workers acquire land and improve their livelihoods.

-- BERNAMA