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| KUALA LUMPUR: An anonymous Malaysian who rose from poverty to become a university graduate and civil servant has posthumously donated RM1 million to Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR), creating a legacy scholarship fund that will support underprivileged youths for years to come.
The donor, who died this year, grew up in Pahang in the 1940s. After losing his father at a young age, he was raised by a single mother who juggled several odd jobs to keep her three children afloat. While his two older siblings left school early to ease the family's burden, he was given the rare chance to continue his education.
According to YTAR, his journey through school and university was marked by hardship. He lived in cramped shared rooms, slept on shop floors and relied on neighbours and strangers who offered help when money ran short. With their support, he secured a place at Universiti Malaya (UM) and later served as a civil servant.
Despite his achievements, he never forgot the sacrifices and acts of kindness that shaped his future. Throughout his life, he held a quiet wish to repay the opportunities he had been given. Shortly before his death, he expressed his intention to bequeath RM1 million to YTAR.
*A fund born from gratitude*
The donation has launched the Tunku Community Legacy Fund, YTAR's first memorial scholarship fund dedicated to honouring donors who wish to support high-need, high-potential students.
YTAR said the late donor had hoped his contribution would specifically help students from backgrounds like his own – young Malaysians committed to their studies but held back by financial constraints.
In its inaugural year, the fund supported seven comprehensive scholarships.
One of the recipients, Muhammad Ariff Shuqran Ismail from Perlis, is the second-youngest of eight siblings. Ariff left his diploma programme due to financial struggles and worked various jobs, including as a Grab driver, for six years. He has since returned to education and is pursuing a degree in Malay Literature at UM – the donor's alma mater.
Another scholar, Chew Cai San, an Orang Asli student, is only the second in her family to enter higher education. She is studying Guidance and Counselling at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Tengku Ampuan Afzan, driven by her interest in psychology and community mental health.
*Honouring Tunku's legacy*
YTAR chairman Datin Sri Sharifah Menyalara Hussein.
YTAR chairman Datin Sri Sharifah Menyalara Hussein, granddaughter of Tunku Abdul Rahman, said the donation echoed the generosity for which the nation's first prime minister was known.
"This gift carries forward the spirit of giving that defined my grandfather's life," she said. "Our donor's legacy will extend far beyond these seven young Malaysians."
She added that the fund is now open for year-round contributions, and YTAR welcomes discussions with Malaysians interested in leaving a similar legacy. |
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