SUMBANGAN TUN ABDUL RAZAK DALAM MEMBINA HUBUNGAN MALAYSIA-INDONESIA

Abstract

Tun Abdul Razak (1922-1976) was the second Prime Minister of Malaysia and was popularly known as "The Father of Development". He is also among the leading figures in the country who helped to enhance Malaysia's relations with Indonesia. It is clear that as a neighbour to Indonesia, the historical ties and comman ethnic and cultural linkages assisted considerably in the strengthening bilateral relations. Tun Abdul Razak recognised Malaysia's special relationship with Indonesia compared to others countries. This article examines Tun Razak's role and contribution in building formal relations between the two countries. In addition to bilateral relations, this article will also discuss several issues that arose at the time especially during the confrontation which Tun Razak had to handle. This article will show that Tun Razak played an influential role and diplomatically during and after confrontation. He was directly involved in many of the negotians. As Deputy Prime Ministar he was a key leader who turned around the deteriorating relations.