Founding father Tan Cheng Lock’s pantun diplomacy won hearts

Tan Cheng Lock, a revered founding father of Malaysia, succeeded in uniting the pre-independence Chinese community and bridging the divide with Malays, according to his granddaughter Tan Siok Choo. Siok Choo, 73, highlighted the significant role her grandfather's strong Confucian beliefs played in connecting with the Chinese community.

Her grandfather's ancestral home showcased woodwork and paintings inspired by Confucian teachings, a testament to his cultural identity. Siok Choo emphasized that Tan Cheng Lock's success was rooted in his Peranakan roots, which enabled him to build bridges with Malays through his ability to recite pantun, a traditional Malay poetry form.

This skill endeared him to the Malays, as he could recite pantun spontaneously and tailor it for specific situations. The biography "One Country, One People: The Life and Legacy of Tun Tan Cheng Lock," co-edited by Siok Choo and academic Heng Pek Koon, underscores Tan Cheng Lock's contributions as a pioneer in the rubber industry and a prominent figure in banking.

He played a pivotal role in establishing United Malacca Bhd in 1910, one of Malaysia's oldest rubber plantation companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. Tan Cheng Lock was also a founding director of the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, where he served for 30 years. His influence extended beyond industry, as he was renowned for his public speaking abilities and ability to communicate effectively, a trait that bolstered his standing among the Chinese community.