Diplomasi pantun Tan Cheng Lock menambat hati

Diplomatical Tan Cheng Lock's proverbial speech stirs hearts, according to his daughter Tan Siok Choo. Born in 1948, Cheng Lock's legacy as a founding father of Malaysia is highlighted by his ability to unite Chinese and Malay communities, even before the country's independence. Siok Choo, 73, highlighted Cheng Lock's strong Confucian values and his ability to communicate effectively through various mediums, including wood carvings and paintings in their ancestral home.

The home, now a museum, displays Confucian-inspired murals and artifacts, showcasing Cheng Lock's deep appreciation for Chinese culture. Known for his carpentry skills and excellent communication abilities, Cheng Lock was also a prominent businessman, establishing United Malacca Bhd in 1910 and later becoming a director of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation in 1932.

His involvement in the banking sector further solidified his reputation as a community helper. Cheng Lock's ability to declaim Malay proverbs was another factor that endeared him to the Malay community, especially during a meeting with Umno founder Onn Jaafar in Johor Bahru in 1948. As a co-author of the recently released biography "One Country, One People: The Life and Legacy of Tun Tan Cheng Lock," Siok Choo emphasized that her father was a significant figure in Malaysia, known for his strong Malaysian identity and ability to bridge cultural divides.