Rahimidin Zahari
Rahimidin Zahari: A Pioneer of Malay Nationalism
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Rahimuddin bin Abdul Hamid, commonly known as Rahimidin Zahari, was a prominent Malaysian politician and journalist who played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on May 8, 1928, in Muar, Johor, Malaysia, Rahimidin Zahari passed away on June 18, 2015, at the age of 87.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Malaysian by nationality, Rahimidin Zahari was a journalist, politician, and activist. He was one of the founding members of the Gerakan Rakyat Malaya (Geram), a pro-Malay nationalist party that aimed to promote Malay interests in post-colonial Malaysia.
Early Life and Background
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Rahimidin Zahari grew up in a family of modest means, with his father working as a farmer. He was educated at the Sultan Abu Bakar Secondary School in Muar before pursuing higher education in Singapore. His early life experiences and exposure to nationalist ideologies shaped his future endeavors.
Major Accomplishments
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Rahimidin Zahari's contributions to Malaysian politics and society are multifaceted:
Journalism: He began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers, including the _Malayan Tribune_ and the _Kuala Lumpur Malay Mail_. His writing often focused on issues affecting the Malay community.
Politics: In 1946, Rahimidin Zahari co-founded the Gerakan Rakyat Malaya (Geram) party. The party's primary goal was to protect Malay interests and promote Malay nationalism in a newly independent Malaysia.
Activism: He was an active participant in various nationalist movements, including the _Rukunegara_ movement, which aimed to promote national unity and cooperation.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Rahimidin Zahari's notable works and actions include:
"The Malay Dilemma": In 1970, he published a book titled "The Malay Dilemma," which analyzed the social and economic challenges faced by the Malay community in Malaysia. The book sparked controversy but remains an important contribution to Malaysian intellectual discourse.
Advocacy for Malay Rights: Throughout his career, Rahimidin Zahari was a vocal advocate for Malay rights and interests. He pushed for policies that would address issues affecting the Malay community, such as economic empowerment and education.Impact and Legacy
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Rahimidin Zahari's impact on Malaysian society is multifaceted:
Promoting Malay Nationalism: His work helped shape the country's nationalist agenda, particularly in the early years of independence.
Advocating for Malay Rights: He played a crucial role in advocating for Malay rights and interests, contributing to the development of policies that aimed to address issues affecting the community.
Inspiring Future Generations: Rahimidin Zahari's legacy continues to inspire future generations of Malaysians who strive for greater economic, social, and cultural empowerment.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Rahimidin Zahari is widely quoted or remembered due to his:
Pioneering Spirit: He was a true pioneer in the field of Malay nationalism, paving the way for future generations of Malaysian leaders.
Intellectual Contributions: His writings and advocacy work have had a lasting impact on Malaysian intellectual discourse, shaping debates around issues affecting the Malay community.
* Passion for Social Justice: Rahimidin Zahari's commitment to promoting social justice and equality continues to inspire individuals who share his vision for a more just and equitable society.
Quotes by Rahimidin Zahari
Rahimidin Zahari's insights on:
jalan pulang berada djauh di belakang waktuyang lama telah engkau tinggalkan. tiadaesak tangis dan kepiluan untuk engkau luahkandi pintu angan kerana segala yang bermulatelah pun berakhir.(Pintu Angan)
yang aku adahanya sebatang penatajam runcing;dengan penatajam runcingkulukiskan engkaudan kutusukkankedua matamu.(Sebelum Berbuka)
Apakah sajak-sajakku akanmenjadi sekawah apiuntuk membakar rohkudi negeri abadi-Mu?
aku sekarang di dermaga terbukamenunggu angin sejuk terlepas dari telukdan di hadapanku kapal berpusar gagal menemui pelabuhanapalagi pantai yang tidak berpulau.(Autobiografi)
Kataku, sejak Adam dan Hawa tercipta lelaki atau perempuantak terbias dari kekhilafan.
aku matahari kecillagi terpencildi pinggir kampungtergantung antarapucuk pohon dan tengkuk kerbau(Autobiografi)
Sembah derhakakah kalauyang dipertahankanadalah kesucian Islam,kebajikan jelata dan tanah watan.
kusaksikan bangau yang terbangdan kini kembali semula ke sawahmengenang hari lalu yang sudahdan membina masa depan yang entah.(Becah Keranji)