Tun Abdul Razak bin Hussein, Malaysia’s second Prime Minister (1970–1976), is widely known as the Father of Development. He was a visionary leader who laid the foundations of modern Malaysia through policies focused on rural development, national unity, and socio-economic balance.
Humble, principled, and deeply committed to the rakyat, Tun Razak believed that true development must benefit all Malaysians. His leadership style grounded in integrity and responsibility continues to inspire the nation and shapes the core values of the Tun Razak Foundation.
Tun Razak’s vision for Malaysia was clear: a united, democratic, and prosperous nation built on mutual respect and shared progress.
Beyond his transformative policies, Tun Razak was remembered for his profound personal integrity and deep-seated compassion. Anecdotes from those who worked closely with him reveal a leader truly connected to his people:
As Prime Minister, he declined to build a swimming pool at his official residence when quoted RM256,000, deeming it an unnecessary use of public funds. Despite his position, he also could not afford to buy a bungalow in Bangsar for his family, always prioritising the nation's coffers over personal comfort.
He once refused to charge a personal purchase for his wife to the government account, insisting, "What will Siew Sin (then Finance Minister) think of me?" This unwavering commitment to transparency was a hallmark of his public service.
During the 1974 student protests, he ordered security forces, "Don’t use the baton on them," and personally reviewed the size of canes to be used to ensure punishment was not excessive, demonstrating that his care for the people extended even to those who disagreed with him.
The Tun Razak Foundation draws its inspiration from these very values. We are committed to upholding his ideals through initiatives that promote leadership, understanding, and social upliftment, ensuring that his legacy is not merely remembered, but actively lived for the benefit of all Malaysians.