History

Tun Tan Cheng Lock was a key public figure who devoted his life to fight for the rights and the social welfare of the Chinese community in Malaya. Tun Tan Cheng Lock was responsible for securing basic rights and respect for the local Chinese – these include citizenship based on jus soli (the principle that a person’s nationality is determined by the place of birth), protection of Chinese education and culture, and participation in the Alliance governing coalition. And most importantly, he worked hard to build a multiracial system of governance in order to make more harmonious race relation in Malaya. It is undeniable that he is one of those leaders who believe that moderation is the only way for Malaya, later Malaysia to move forward.