Perdana Leadership Foundation

"We must realise that our efforts to transform the country into a developed nation will not be achieved or recognised by merely building high-rise buildings – (while) our rivers are severely polluted, there are no trees left in our forests, and the air that we breathe is also polluted. Conserving the environment is not only an individual responsibility, but a collective effort that must be carried out continuously regardless of any circumstances."

Excerpt from a speech by Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad at the Earth Day Celebration, Taman Tugu Negara, Kuala Lumpur, on 20 April 2019.

Read more about Tun’s biography: https://bit.ly/TunMbio

A Conversation with Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood

On 4th June 2026, Perdana Leadership Foundation had the privilege of conducting an Oral History Session with Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Sunway University.

The three-hour oral history session with Datuk Professor Dr Rofina Yasmin Othman, Chairman of the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), and Dr Nasrudin Subhi, Associate Professor at the Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia captured Tan Sri Jemilah’s reflections on her childhood and early influences, the establishment of MERCY Malaysia, her humanitarian experiences in Iraq and Aceh, and her views on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and women in leadership.

“Women today have the capabilities, skills, and opportunities to lead in every sector of society. Leadership, however, is not only about professional success; it is also about the choices we make in our personal lives. Marriage should be viewed as a true partnership, and women should choose their life partners wisely — someone who respects their ambitions, values, and aspirations. Throughout history, women have often been builders of peace, communities, and solutions. As I sometimes say, find me a woman who started a war. Women bring perspectives shaped by empathy, collaboration, and care, qualities that are increasingly important in leadership today.”

She also shared her perspectives on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), as well as her thoughts on leadership.

“Leadership begins with having a clear vision, strong values, and a sense of purpose. Collective leadership is essential because we achieve far more when we work together than when we act alone. At the same time, leaders must be prepared to make clear and decisive decisions when circumstances demand it.”

Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood’s early upbringing and parental values shaped her lifelong commitment to public service and humanitarian work. She is a distinguished medical professional and public health expert with over two decades of experience in health, disaster, and conflict settings worldwide. She is the founder of MERCY Malaysia, one of the region’s leading humanitarian organisations. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she served as Special Adviser on Public Health to the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Internationally, she has held senior leadership roles, including at the United Nations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). She has received numerous honours, including the Merdeka Award, the Isa Award for Humanity, and the ASEAN Prize, in recognition of her contributions to humanitarian action and public health.

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/A-Conversation-with-Prof-Tan-Sri-Dr-JemilahMahmood

“The best motto to think about is not to waste things. Don’t waste electricity; don’t waste paper; don’t waste food. Live the way you want to live but just don’t waste. Look after the natural world and the animals in it and the plants in it too. This is their planet as well as ours. Don’t waste them.”

Excerpted from a documentary featuring Sir David Attenborough, A Life on Our Planet (2020).

Sir David celebrated his 100th birthday on 8th May 2026.

DIRGAHAYU TUANKU
Merafak Sembah Ucapan Setinggi-Tinggi Tahniah

KEBAWAH DULI YANG MAHA MULIA
SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG
SULTAN IBRAHIM


sempena

Sambutan Ulang Tahun Hari Keputeraan Rasmi
Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Tuanku


pada 1 Jun 2026 Bersamaan 15 Zulhijjah 1447H


sembah takzim daripada

Yayasan Kepimpinan Perdana

Happy Wesak Day to all who celebrate. May the spirit of wisdom, kindness, and gratitude continue to guide us towards a life filled with peace and understanding.

Wesak Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha, marking the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. It is a time for reflection on compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace.

PLF will be closed in conjunction with Wesak Day on 1st and 2nd June 2026. Operations will resume as usual on 3 June 2026.

Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan! yang bermaksud “Selamat Hari Menuai yang Agung”.

Semoga Pesta Kaamatan ini disambut dengan penuh rasa syukur atas hasil tuaian yang melimpah, serta menjadi peluang untuk mengukuhkan perpaduan, menghargai warisan budaya dan menyemai semangat kekitaan dalam kalangan masyarakat. Semoga perayaan ini membawa kesejahteraan, kedamaian dan kebahagiaan kepada semua.

Pesta Kaamatan merupakan perayaan tradisi masyarakat Kadazan-Dusun dan etnik di Sabah yang disambut setiap tahun sebagai tanda kesyukuran selepas musim menuai padi. Perayaan ini juga bertujuan menghargai semangat padi serta meraikan hasil tuaian yang menjadi sumber rezeki, di samping memelihara warisan budaya dan identiti masyarakat Sabah.

Selamat menyambut Pesta Kaamatan kepada semua yang meraikannya!

Tun Hussein Onn, Malaysia’s third Prime Minister, passed away 36 years ago today on 29 May 1990 at Seaton Medical Centre, San Francisco, USA, following a heart attack. He was 68 years old.

Born into a distinguished political family, Tun Hussein Onn was the son of Datuk Onn Jaafar, the founder of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and one of the country’s early nationalist figures. Inspired by his father’s dedication to the nation, Tun Hussein began his journey in public service after serving in the Indian Army during the Second World War before entering politics and becoming a member of UMNO in its early years.

Fondly remembered as Bapa Perpaduan (Father of Unity), Tun Hussein Onn dedicated his leadership to strengthening national harmony and fostering greater socio-economic balance among Malaysians of all races. Taking office in 1976 following the passing of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, he continued the implementation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) while introducing initiatives aimed at uplifting the rakyat and strengthening unity.

Among his most enduring contributions was the establishment of Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) in 1981 through Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), which expanded opportunities for Bumiputras to save and invest in the nation’s growing economy. Over the years, the initiative evolved to benefit millions of Malaysians through Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB).

Tun Hussein Onn also played an important role in shaping Malaysia’s social development through the formation of the National Unity Council, the establishment of PEMADAM to combat drug abuse, and the introduction of Rukun Tetangga to promote safety, cooperation, and goodwill within local communities.

Known for his humility, integrity, and meticulous leadership, Tun Hussein Onn consistently reminded public servants that power must always be used for the benefit and well-being of the people. His legacy of unity, service, and principled leadership continues to inspire generations of Malaysians.

Al-Fatihah and may his soul continue to be blessed.

Photo: 20th April 1981. Tun Hussein launched Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad



For more info on Tun Hussein Onn, visit our website here: https://bit.ly/TunHusseinBio

TODAY IN HISTORY: TUNKU PROPOSED THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA

On 27 May 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman, then Prime Minister of Malaya, first proposed the formation of a new federation called Malaysia.

His vision was to unite Malaya, Singapore, Sabah (then British North Borneo), Sarawak, and Brunei into a single federation aimed at strengthening political stability, boosting economic development, and promoting regional cooperation. The proposal also sought to counter growing communist influence in the region and ensure long-term security and prosperity for the territories involved.

This landmark proposal laid the foundation for negotiations and consultations that eventually led to the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, marking a defining moment in the nation’s history.

Photo by: Utusan Malaysia



Read more on the Formation of Malaysia here: https://bit.ly/RoadToMerdeka

ANNOUNCEMENT

Please be informed that Perdana Library will be closed on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, in observance of Hari Raya Aidiladha.

We will resume operations on Thursday, 28 May 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thank you.