Tun Razak's approach to governance and development is still relevant today - Sultan Nazrin
His Royal Highness said that the book's fourteen chapters also shed light on key policy choices and dilemmas Malaysia faces today and will encounter in an uncertain future.
SHAH ALAM - Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah commended the newly released book, Tun Razak: Imagining Malaysia’s Future Through His Lenses, highlighting that its in-depth exploration of Malaysia’s developmental challenges provides valuable insights to guide present and future policy decisions.
Sultan Nazrin, who also serves as the Deputy King, emphasised that the book shed light on key policy choices and challenges facing Malaysia, both in today’s uncertain times and toward the future.
He suggested that the second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, would likely appreciate this approach, focused on advancing the practical aspects of national development.
In a detailed overview, Sultan Nazrin pointed to the book’s scope, covering sectors from agronomy to education and highlighting the need for practical action across a range of fields.
“The book advocates for a significant expansion in technical and vocational training, emphasising the importance of equipping our workforce with future-ready skills; a priority that cannot be overstated.
“It also pointed out Malaysia’s potential to take on a critical role regionally and internationally, particularly in the face of rising geopolitical tensions. In essence, the book presents an ambitious vision for Malaysia, offering both a grand perspective and concrete steps for the dedicated work and innovation required to make it a reality.
“This, indeed, embodies the enduring spirit of Tun Razak,” he said at the launch of the book Tun Razak: Imagining Malaysia’s Future Through His Lenses at the St Regis Kuala Lumpur.
One standout aspect for Sultan Nazrin was the book’s emphasis on a ‘spirit of continuous appraisal and recalibration’ in Malaysia’s development, echoing Tun Razak’s understanding that building a unified Malaysia would require ‘adjustments and readjustments.’
This principle, he said, serves as a reminder that even the most comprehensive plans are subject to change.
“We must continually review and assess the plan’s implementation, making necessary adjustments along the way to adapt to evolving circumstances.
“In areas such as governance, economic policy and environmental protection, bold and proactive measures should be taken well before a crisis emerges.
“This means working tirelessly to strengthen environmental regulations, drive educational innovation and establish technological safeguards, all of which are essential to better prepare us for future challenges,” he added.
Earlier, Sultan Nazrin launched the book which honours the legacy of Tun Razak, also known as the country's Father of Development.
Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim was also in attendance.
The book, co-edited by Professor Datuk Dr Rajah Rasiah, Tan Sri Kamal Salih, Associate Professor Dr Hafriza Burhanudee, and Mohamed Tawfik Tun Dr Ismail, provides a valuable new perspective on Tun Razak's contributions and highlights the enduring relevance of his policies, decisions, and actions for Malaysia's progress.
His Royal Highness said that the book's fourteen chapters also shed light on key policy choices and dilemmas Malaysia faces today and will encounter in an uncertain future, and also provide insights across various fields, from agronomy to education, and emphasises leveraging technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), to strengthen universities.
