Abdul Razak Hussein served as the second Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1970 until his death in 1976. Born in 1922 in Kampung Pulau Keladi, he functioned as a pivotal figure in the post-colonial administrative transition, navigating the complexities of domestic socioeconomic reform and international neutrality during the height of the Cold War era.
Early Career and Education
Educated at Raffles College and later graduating from Lincoln's Inn in London in 1950, Abdul Razak qualified as a barrister. During his time in the United Kingdom, he engaged in student leadership and helped establish the Malayan Forum. Prior to his legal studies, he joined the Malay Administrative Service in 1938 and participated in the Wataniah resistance movement in Pahang during the Second World War.
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In 1957, Abdul Razak was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, positions he held until 1970. Following the 1969 13 May incident and the subsequent state of emergency, he led the National Operations Council. This transitional governing body preceded his formal appointment as Prime Minister, during which time he also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the chairman of the Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs.
Policy and Governance
As Prime Minister, he launched the New Economic Policy to address socioeconomic disparities between ethnic communities. He formalised the Barisan Nasional coalition in 1974 to consolidate political power. Internationally, he shifted Malaysia away from a pro-West orientation, joining the Non-Aligned Movement in 1970 and emphasizing regional cooperation through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Fast facts
- Born: 1922, Kampung Pulau Keladi
- Died: 1976, London
- Education: Universiti Malaya, Lincoln's Inn
- Prime Minister of Malaysia: 1970-1976
- Minister of Defence: 1957-1970, 1974-1976
- Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient: 1967
- Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm: 1959
- Burial site: Makam Pahlawan
Questions readers ask
What major political coalition did Abdul Razak establish?
He was responsible for the creation of Barisan Nasional, a political coalition that maintained uninterrupted power from 1974 until 2018.
What was the focus of his foreign policy?
He moved Malaysia toward a policy of neutrality and non-alignment, including membership in the Non-Aligned Movement.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Malaysia (1970–1976)
- Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia (1957–1970)
- Minister of Defence
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia (1970–1975)
- Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm — 1959
- Educated at Universiti Malaya
