Merdeka Series: Dato Onn Ja'afar

What would UMNO have been like if it was a multi-racial party?

Such was the radical thinking of UMNO founder, Dato' Onn Ja'afar, who drew criticism for proposing that the political party to be opened up to the different races. Many felt Dato' Onn had turned his back to the plight of his fellow Malays when he pursued a single multi-racial political party -- in what he saw as the best means of achieving independence in Malaya.

A man of principle, Dato' Onn eventually left UMNO to establish IMP (Independence Malaya Party) to pursue his goal.

In conjunction with Malaysia's 55th Merdeka Anniversary, as part of BFM's Merdeka Series, we speak to Lieutenant General (Retired) Dato' Ja'afar Onn, the last surviving son of Dato' Onn Ja'afar, on his father's legacy to the country.

Dato' Ja'afar shares his personal insights into the man who founded UMNO, his father's tumultuous political journey and his greatest contribution to Malaysia's independence. He also sheds light onto the innermost struggles of the once-exiled political leader, the closeness of their father-son relationship as well as the lessons he learnt from his father's lifelong example.