KUALA LUMPUR – Questions have arisen over the Royal Commonwealth Society of Malaysia, as concerns of commercialism or internal politics come to the fore.
This follows the removal of memorabilia from a dedicated room at the society’s clubhouse honouring Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, making way for a restaurant in the building situated along Jalan Birah in Bukit Damansara.
The Tunku Room, which symbolised the leader’s pivotal role in the nation’s history and the society’s founding, has been replaced by a new Chinese boutique eatery named The Red Lantern, reportedly unsettling some members.
Society insiders told Scoop that some members had opted against sitting inside the restaurant during its launch on Sunday. Instead, they gathered in other areas of the clubhouse.
Besides presumably sidelining the legacy of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the new restaurant’s name also struck a raw nerve with the members who drew parallels with the term “red light district”.
Sources said the restaurant’s renovation announcement was also met with flak from members, who insisted that the club would not have existed without Tunku Abdul Rahman.
When contacted, Tunku Abdul Rahman’s grandson, Tunku Muinuddin Putra Ahmad Nerang, said he had not been officially informed about the matter but acknowledged that it was the society’s prerogative to address any changes to the room as they see fit.
“I have not been officially informed of this, so I cannot really comment on its authenticity. It was not changed when I was there last week,” he said.
“But, in any case, it is really up to the Commonwealth Society (on) what they wish to do with it (the room). (It is) not for us to give our opinion or pass judgement.”
It is understood that all photographs previously displayed in the Tunku Room are now being kept in storage, and may be sold in a proposed auction.
Established just last year, the Tunku Room had been a repository of photographs and memories chronicling Tunku Abdul Rahman’s life, accompanied by explanatory captions detailing historic moments.
The launch last year was attended by Tunku Muinuddin Putra, his sisters Tunku Munawirah Putra and Tengku Rozani, and the then-entrepreneur development and cooperatives deputy minister K. Saraswathy, among others.
Sources also said the room featured dining tables where members could dine while surrounded by items connected to the national icon.
Moreover, the sources noted that the decision to dismantle the Tunku Room reportedly stemmed from a dispute among current and former office-bearers of the society.
The Royal Commonwealth Society of Malaysia is the only such community worldwide to have its own special clubhouse. It is understood that societies in other nations gather in undesignated locations to hold meetings.
Established in 1961, it aims to transform the whole Commonwealth of former British colonies into societies practising democracy, multilateralism, sustainable development, environmentalism, as well as women and youth empowerment.
The society also aims to maintain Commonwealth traditions by connecting and innovating over 80 affiliated organisations, and establishing a meeting place to conduct business.
Scoop has reached out to club president Tony Kassim, and council chairman Bernice Narayanan for a response. – June 20, 2024