The award presented by Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is also Umno president, was in recognition of Abdul Aziz’s contribution to the country and the party.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Abdul Aziz said he did not expect to receive the award, but was nevertheless grateful to Umno for recognising his contributions to the party.

“I hope Umno will continue to fight, to lead the Malays and the nation in years to come,” he said briefly.

Abdul Aziz, 93, from Jasin had been an active Umno member in the 70s and 80s and has held several important positions, among them, senator (1975-1977), Malacca state assembly Speaker (1978-1982) and assemblyman for Nyalas (1978-1982).

Born on June 13, 1923, he began his career as a military volunteer at the Police Regiment Port Dickson Camp in 1940 before he went into teaching from 1945 to 1974, with his last position as headmaster of Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Alor Gajah, Malacca.

His involvement in politics began before independence when he joined the Johor Malay Association, Malacca branch, an anti-Malayan Union movement led by Onn Jaafar in 1946 and he later joined Umno when the party was established.

He held several positions in Umno, among them as Merlimau Umno branch treasurer in 1955, followed by Jasin Umno division deputy chief (1974), Jasin Umno division vice-chief (1978), Malacca Umno liaison treasurer (1978-1986).

Apart from politics, he was National Cultural Advisory Council member (1972-1996), National Art Gallery Board of Trustee member (1976-1988), Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation deputy chairman (1978) and Board member of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (1975-1977).

Abdul Aziz, married to Puan Sri Maznah Lasim and blessed with nine children, was also National and Malacca state Tokoh Guru in 1986, Malacca state Cultural Personality (2003) and Malacca state Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1427H/2006M (2006).

– BERNAMA