TUN GHAFAR BABA: THE RESILIENT MALAY NATIONALIST FIGHTER AND STRATEGIC

The late Tun Abdul Ghafar bin Baba, Former Deputy Prime Minister was a national leader in Malaysia with perseverance in politics and has contributed to the country s socio-economic development while assuming the Deputy Prime Minister, Ghafar was a role model which was knowns as a credible political figure should be an example because the current values of the national spirit of nationalism based on the traditions of honesty, integrity, sacrifice and friendship are being eroded by the political mainstream materialism. Thus, this article will analyze the role played by Ghafar in this country. Research done on his attitude in dealing with a problem he faced and see what the contribution of thought and action figures in the areas of work in the socio-economic and political context of Malaysia. This study used secondary sources derived from biography books, newspaper and speech. The result showed that Ghafar has positive attitude based on strong believes to noble values such as determination, courage and patience. He controlled the direction of his journey from a poor to a better life. He has proven, issues of the country such as race, religion, ancestry there is no restriction to succeed in life. From that poor orphan armed SITC certificate he has put his name in every field of work whether politics, economics and sports. Ghafar, from poor boy collecting tennis balls and golf caddy has become leaders in the two sports bodies and may sit down among the country leaders and kings. From Malay school teacher, his became the Deputy Prime Minister. His childhood love collecting pictures of world leaders such as Sukarno, the Shah of Iran, Haile Selasie, Chiang Kai Shek then finally was able to meet face to face all the leaders and also get an opportunity to visit almost all the countries in the world. As a conclusion, his contribution in providing ideas for developing countries defaulting undeniably with strong partnerships with Tun Dr. Mahathir (former Prime Minister) to modernize the countries and be well-known in the world.