(The winners — Kuan Mei Koon and S. Sivaraman (3rd & 4th from left) — with Yong Soo Heong of Yayasan SALAM Malaysia and Hj Zaidin Mohd Noor (in batik), DG of the National Archives Department, Ministry of National Unity)
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19: On a rain-soaked Sunday morning, as Malaysia marked the 123rd anniversary of the birth of its beloved first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, on Feb 8, two seasoned public relations professionals set out with nothing more than determination and friendship.
From Petaling Jaya, Kuan Mei Koon braved the drizzle to drive to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial (MTARP) at Jalan Dato’ Onn here, while Sivaraman Sabapathy journeyed from Brickfields before sunrise. Both had promised their long-time associate, Yayasan SALAM Malaysia trustee Yong Soo Heong, that they would stand by him — rain or shine — for SALAM’s first major public event in nearly a decade: an Explorace/Treasure Hunt.
What unfolded was nothing short of remarkable. Teaming up at the last minute as the “Last-Minute Rangers,” the duo outpaced more than a dozen larger teams to clinch the top prize of RM1,000. Their victory was not just about speed or wit — it was a testament to camaraderie, resilience, and the spirit of unity that the event sought to celebrate.
A Celebration of Unity and Legacy
Yong conceived the Explorace to honour Tunku’s birthday with an activity that embodied his vision of harmony. With the requirement that teams include members of different ethnicities, the hunt became a joyful showcase of Malaysia’s diversity — where strangers became friends and unity was lived, not merely spoken.
To ensure the challenge was both fun and thought-provoking, Yong enlisted his trusted BERNAMA colleague from the Class of ’74, M. Govindnair, widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s finest hunt masters. His cryptic clues added sparkle to the morning, making the triumph even sweeter.
“This was truly unexpected,” Mei exclaimed with joy. “What a windfall!” Sivaraman, equally delighted, quipped: “Not bad for a small, last-minute effort.”
Support from Leaders and Friends
The event drew strong support from notable figures. Datuk P. Kamalanathan, former Deputy Education Minister and current Chairman of the Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia, joined with friends, affirming: “I certainly want to support a meaningful cause.”
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye graced the occasion, recalling Tunku’s graciousness and his gift for bringing people together.
Beyond the hunt, Yayasan SALAM also hosted a forum on Mental Wellness (by Dato’ Dr Andrew Mohanraj, President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association) and Cultural Intelligence (by Dr Jamel Kaur Singh of Melbourne’s CQ Cultural Education Institute). The forum deepened the day’s message: that unity thrives when Malaysians care for one another’s wellbeing and honour shared cultural values.
Scouts’ Honour: Always Prepared to Serve with Excellence
Gratitude for a Collective Effort
Yong expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants who rallied round Yayasan SALAM’s initiative, the National Archives Department, Arkib Negarawan and MTARP/MTHO teams, and KL Scouts, who mobilised more than 70 members to lead the rousing flag-raising, national anthem, and Rukunegara pledge ceremonies. A Scouts’ salute to KL Scouts Chief Commissioner, Hj Zamri Saiman, and other key officials of KL Scouts — Mohammed Sofian Baharom, Muhammad Najieb Ahmad Fuad and Ali Baizuri Razali.
Special mention also goes to the Director-General of the National Archives Department, Hj Zaidin Mohd Noor; his Deputy Director-General, Hj Ahmad Sukri Abdul Kadir; Director of Arkib Negarawan, Puan Hanizah Jonoh; Puan Saidatul Nur Rafizah Wan Teh of MTARP and Encik Nadzir Embi of MTARP, and Arvinder Kaur of the National Archives Department for making the events a success.
Yong also acknowledged the generosity of sponsors and supporters, including Philip Morris Malaysia, Azmi Yaakob of Felda Global Ventures, SR Saba of Bhavani Foods, Datuk Seri Abdul Malek Abdullah of D’Tandoor, and Malkith Singh of Persatuan Sikhinside Malaysia. Their contributions ensured the event’s success despite the short preparation time.
Also, a special thanks to Govindnair’s BERNAMA Treasure Hunt Team and volunteers of Yayasan SALAM (co-led by Nor Zakiah Senin and L. Manikavel) in ensuring that everything worked like clockwork.
“This was truly a collective triumph,” Yong reflected. “We will build on this momentum and, with more lead time, bring similar and bigger celebrations, perhaps to Penang or Sarawak later this year.”
From left: KL Scouts Chief Commissioner, Hj Zamri Saiman, and other key officials of KL Scouts — Mohammed Sofian Baharom & Muhammad Najieb Ahmad Fuad
Rainy Morning, A Radiant Memory
What began as a rainy Sunday became a radiant celebration of unity, friendship, and gratitude. The Explorace was more than a competition — it was a living tribute to Tunku Abdul Rahman’s legacy, reminding Malaysians that when hearts come together, even the smallest teams can achieve the greatest victories.
WE