Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail : A Tribute.

A Tribute to

Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail

( Tengku Sri Mara Raja Kelantan) Former Minister &

President of the United Nations Association of Malaysia(UNAM)

January 19, 1929-April 29, 2022

It was with great sadness that we, at UNAM led by our deputy President, Tan Sri Razali Ismail learned of the passing of our beloved president, Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen, popularly known as Tengku Din.

Tengku Din, whose antecedents include the Raja of Pattani was born in Mengkebang Estate, Kuala Krai and had his early education at a local Malay school there, the Sultan Ismail College in Kota Baru and completed his secondary education at the Penang Free School . He was a keen footballer, rugby and hockey player and often represented his school in these sports. He later pursued a law course at the University of Nottingham, was admitted to the English Bar and subsequently joined Malaya’s Judicial and Legal Service. He served in various capacities in Ipoh, Muar, Kuala Lumpur. and Kota Baru while taking an active interest in various sports and charity organizations. In 1965, after a decade of government service together with the late Raja Aziz Addruse he set up a private law practice. Barely two years later at the urging of Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato’ Hussein he entered politics. In 1969 he contested in a general election and became a member of parliament. At that point he decided to give up his law practice. In the early 1970s he was appointed a deputy minister and was subsequently made a full minister, a position he held till October 1990 when he lost his parliamentary seat. He held a special functions portfolio initially but was later also given the information, foreign affairs, defense and trade portfolios.

He was well respected as a minister for his intellect, his high integrity, his quiet charm, the regard he had for civil servants and his humanity. His legendary interpersonal skills enabled him to handle the most delicate and difficult tasks in politics, administration, international trade and diplomacy with aplomb.

Together, in his own words with his ‘perfectionist wife,’ Tengku Noor Aini he was ever the gracious, generous and hospitable host with his counterparts from other countries, his colleagues and the many civil servants that came his way. He developed particularly close and cordial relations with his ASEAN counterparts, including Carlos Romulo, the Foreign Minister of the Philippines. It will be recalled that it was during his tenure as the Foreign Minister, in early August 1977 that the Philippines president indicated at an ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur that Manila would take definite steps to drop the Sabah claim. Tengku Din as a matter of course radiated such warmth and immaculate courtesy and was so solicitous of his interlocutors that they would have compunctions about disregarding his overtures.

From the early 1990s apart from his political work, he has been involved in the corporate world, sports associations, NGOs and the building of a reputable branch of a leading university.

He was the ultimate diplomat, a great nationalist and patriot and a tireless raconteur of such interesting episodes that he endeared himself easily to people from all walks of life. He believed that Malaysia should embrace in a more more wholesome manner the values promoted by the United Nations towards improving the lot of mankind.

The country has lost a great soul, a gentleman of incredible decorum and dedication, immense patience, humanity, loyalty and love.

He is survived by his wife, Tengku Noor Aini, six children and a growing group of grandchildren.

The prime minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaacob was present to pay his respects to the late Tengku Rithauddeen at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery today.

M Santhananaban

April 30, 2022

The writer, Dato M Santhananaban , a retired ambassador, is currently the vice-president of UNAM.