Sakmongkol AK47 with Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah(3)

Then there was also the tantalising information that TRH first when to China before Tun Razak's historic visit to the Middle Kingdom in 1974. Not many people knew that Zhou En Lai gave a Chinese painting to TRH. It was a painting of prancing horses. I am sure those who are connoisseurs at Chinese Painting know the symbolism and significance of horses.

Anyway, the interesting thing is the leadership of the present Chinese Communist Party of China is interested to purchase this painting. Even though Zhou En Lai did not paint the picture, the Chinese appreciate the historical significance of the painting. More importantly, China reveres the personality associated with the gift. It knows how to respect its leader. When an official from CP of China saw the painting, he made an offer to buy that painting. I understand, during the time I was talking to TRH; a few appraisers were in TRH's office to put a value to that painting.

John and I entered the room that serves as TRH's office. This room is probably similar to the oval office in the real white house. We sat ourselves in two comfortable swivel leather chairs facing each other with a small coffee table in between. John was sitting across in another sofa.

Tengku greeted me with the customary Asalammu-alaikum, Peace be with you. I answered in the usual way and extended my hand to shake his. John did too and in a remarkable show of almost a filial respect normally associated with a son's to a father, kissed TRH's hand. That left a deep impact on me, as I seldom see it done by a Chinese before.

TRH was wearing a full suit. Aware that it may be off-putting, TRH apologised for being over dressed saying that he had just come back from an official engagement outside.

Khairy sat on the very same chair you are now sitting. He talked to me for over an hour some time ago. TRH said as I asked him about the Pemuda UMNO race.

I knew the father very well. Jamaludin. We were Tun Razak's boys. He was doing foreign work for Tun and I was doing domestic things. I knew Khairy when he was 2 years old. Of course he wouldn't remember. I told him that when he was here the last time.

Yes, we did talk about the whole Ketua Pemuda business. This time, all three were mentioned.

Did you watch the debate between the three the other day? Unfortunately none came across to say anything concrete.

Ok let's see. Mukhriz Mahathir. What has he done? He hasn't done anything exceptional except asking for Pak Lah to resign. We have been asking that far longer than Mukhkriz did. Did you see him during the debate? I am dissapointed that Mukhriz failed to offer material of substance. People will continue seeing him as just riding on the name of Dr Mahathir.

You see, Dr Mahathir will come out backing Najib to the hilt.

But I protested, didn't TDM endorse you before?

Yes itu dulu. Now when Pak Lah leaves, he will support Najib vigorously- for MUkhriz. He wants Mukhriz to become the Ketua Pemuda.

It is unfortunate- but .... see none of them offering any concrete ideas about the how the country is doing and what we are going to do about it. I am fearful for the future of this country.

Before TRH continued, I said; Tengku since you mentioned Tun Razak, may I say something about the seminar Legasi Tun Razak which you spoke at?

I told TRH that I was very disappointed the event became nothing more than an orgy of reminiscing and romancing a past long gone, instead of debating the ideas of Tun Razak. Hence you have people flown in from abroad regaling and enthralling the audience with personal anecdotes with TUn Razak.

Haha, it was just an excuse to further sideline me. I was just there to lend credence to the seminar.

Yes Tengku, I thought the real idea of the seminar was just to neutralise the bête noir of Malaysian politics- Tun Mahathir.

If people are serious to rediscover the legacy of Tun Razak, they would have given you more prominence.

By the way, the legasi was carried out by the very Ketua Pemuda candidate I am now supporting KJ. I am not going to split hairs with KJ on that. I am going to augustinepaul KJ's legasi Tun Razak.