Dato’ Onn Jaafar
Dato’ Onn bin Jaafar was born in Johor Bahru in 1895 to Dato’ Jaafar bin Mohammad, the first Chief Minister of Johor. Onn Jaafar received Malay and English education (including in London). From young, he displayed a trait of nationalism, an asset that proved relevant later in his political career.
He joined the JMF on 5 July 1917 as a Cadet Officer and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. His discipline, dedication, confidence and commitment, as well as integrity and honourable values formed during his service, stood in good stead at the time when the Malayan Union was formed in 1946. The Malays felt they were foreigners in their own country. Dato’ Onn emerged as a leader and, with his charismatic leadership, was successful in opposing the Malayan Union. He founded the United Malay National Organization (UMNO) and was appointed its first president during an AGM at Istana Besar Johor Bahru on 11 May 1946.
He was confirmed as the seventh Chief Minister of Johor on October 1, 1946 and resigned from the post in early 1950.
In various fields, Dato’ Onn was among the prominent journalists during the rise of debates on Malay nationalism. He was an author and newspaper columnist for Warta Malaya and Lembaga Malaya, where his critically acclaimed views consistently captivated the public's attention for several years. Among his notable contributions were 'Selamat Johor' in 1936 and the translation of 'Hikayat Seribu Satu Malam' titled AL FA LAILA WALAILA. The sharpness of his writing continued through the weekly newspaper KRITIK under his leadership. He was a skilled and eloquent orator, and during his tenure as a Member of Parliament before his passing, he was highly respected and esteemed by fellow members of the Dewan Rakyat.
As a journalist, Onn Jaafar had no peers. He penned critical articles on nationalism and was a fiery orator, both in and out of parliament. The patriot and statesman passed away on January 19, 1962.
Indeed, the son of Johor, who has gained much experience from the Royal Johor Military Force (JMF), is a true patriot whose spirit, dedication, and life principles are a treasure that should be inherited by the entire nation in Malaysia. Gold and currency cannot match the value of the legacy he leaves behind.
References:
- National Archives of Malaysia, Johor Branch, EXHIBITION BOOK ON THE OCCASION OF THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE ROYAL JOHOR MILITARY FORCE 1886 – 1986 AT THE JUBLI INTAN HALL, JOHOR BAHRU, ON THE 19th & 22nd OF AUGUST 1986.
- JMF.
- Shahrom Husain - History of Johor, Its Connection with the Malay States, Publisher Fajar Sakti Sdn. Bhd. 1995.