Opposition party DAP will organise a year-long nationwide commemoration of the centenary of first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj ( photo ) beginning March 7, its chairperson Lim Kit Siang said today.

Tunku, who died o­n Dec 6, 1990, would have celebrated his 100th birthday o­n Feb 8.

"Eminent and distinguished Malaysians will be invited to share their memories and thoughts o­n Tunku's contributions and legacy to the Malaysian nation," Lim said in a statement.

Lim said the celebration will kick off with a "remembrance night" in Kuala Lumpur o­n March 7, 2003.

Lim also castigated the government for not organising any celebration in honour of Tunku.

"In any other country, the centenary of the father of the nation would be an important and grand affair with meaningful commemorative events up and down the country by both the government and the civil society in honour of his memory, contribution and legacy.

"In Malaysia however, the government nearly forgot about Tunku's centenary until the DAP publicly reminded the cabinet about it a month before the anniversary."

Postage stamps

Lim said that the government had no serious intention to spearhead any meaningful nationwide event in honour of Tunku.

"This may be why Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad ( photo ) had not said a single word o­n Tunku's centenary, although in the past two weeks he had commented o­n almost every subject, both national and international, under the sun," added Lim.

The vocal politician said that the o­nly celebration o­n the part of the government was in the form of Pos Malaysia's commemorative postage stamps that will be launched next month.

"The government's shabby treatment of the Tunku's birthday centenary is clear for all to see, which is most shameful and unfair to Bapa Malaysia and Bapa Kemerdekaan."

Tunku was the first chief minister of the Federation of Malaya (1957-1963) and prime minister of Malaysia (1963-1970). He was born in Alor Star, the capital of Kedah. He was the seventh prince of Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah, the 24th Sultan of Kedah, and Che Manjalara.

State funeral

On Aug 26, 1951, Tunku became the Umno president succeeding O­nn Jaafar. In May 1961, Tunku proposed the idea of Malaysia - a federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo (later called Sabah) and Brunei.

All but Brunei joined in the federation o­n July 9, 1963. Singapore however was expelled in 1965 due to irreconcilable differences. O­n Sept 22, 1970, Tunku stepped down as the prime minister and was succeeded by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.

Tunku was 87 when he died. He was accorded a state funeral and laid to rest at the Langgar Royal Mausoleum in Alor Star.