Musa Hitam facts for kids

Tun Musa bin Hitam (born 18 April 1934) is an important Malaysian leader. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1981 to 1986. During this time, he worked alongside Mahathir Mohamad, who was the Prime Minister. After his political career, he became the chairman of a big company called Sime Darby Berhad.

Early Life and Education

Musa bin Hitam was born on 18 April 1934 in Johor Bahru, which was then part of British Malaya. His father was a Malay person with Javanese family roots. His mother was of Chinese descent, but she was adopted and grew up in a Malay family.

Musa went to the English College Johore Bahru for his early studies. He earned his first degree from the University of Malaya. Later, he got his master's degree from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. He has also received special awards called Honorary Doctorates from both the University of Sussex and Ohio University.

Musa has also worked on important international projects. He was the Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He was also a member of the board for UNESCO, an organization that promotes education and culture. He led a group that observed elections in Malawi. He also joined delegations of ministers to countries like Nigeria, Pakistan, Fiji, and Gambia.

Political Journey

In the 1960s, Musa briefly worked as a top administrator for the UMNO party. He was later asked to leave the party. This happened after the 13 May racial events because of disagreements with the Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. While he was not active in politics, he studied and earned his master's degree.

In 1971, he was welcomed back into UMNO by the new leader, Tun Abdul Razak. He quickly moved up in the party. He became a key member of the Alliance coalition in Parliament. He was also chosen to be part of the UMNO Supreme Council. In 1978, he was elected as a Vice-President of UMNO.

When Mahathir Mohamad became Prime Minister, he announced that the position of Deputy Prime Minister was open. Musa Hitam competed against Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah for this role in 1981. Musa won the election and became the new Deputy President of UMNO and Deputy Prime Minister.

Key Government Roles

Before becoming Malaysia's fifth Deputy Prime Minister in 1981, Musa held several important government jobs.

• He was the Chairman of the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA). This agency helps develop land for agriculture.
• He served as the Deputy Minister of Trade & Industry from 1970 to 1974.
• From 1974 to 1978, he was the Minister of Primary Industries.
• He then became the Minister of Education from 1978 to 1981.
• He was the Deputy Prime Minister from 1981 to 1987.

Musa retired from this role in 1987. Ghafar Baba took over as Deputy Prime Minister.

Life After Politics

In 1987, there was a big challenge for the leadership of the UMNO party. Tengku Razaleigh challenged Mahathir Mohamad for the top position. Musa Hitam, who had some differences with Mahathir, resigned as Deputy Prime Minister. He then supported Razaleigh's team.

Mahathir's team won the election, but UMNO split into two groups. The Malaysian court then declared UMNO illegal. Mahathir later started a "New UMNO" (UMNO Baru). Tengku Razaleigh formed a new party called Semangat 46. Musa, however, decided to step away from politics completely.

Between 1990 and 1991, he was Malaysia's special representative to the United Nations. Since 1995, he has been the Prime Minister's special representative to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG). Musa also led Malaysia's team to the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1993 to 1998. He was even chosen as the Chairman of the Commission in 1995.

He also served as the Chairman of Suhakam, which is Malaysia's Human Rights Commission, from 1999 to 2002. In 2007, Musa became the chairman of Synergy Drive Berhad. This company was formed from the merger of three big companies: Sime Darby, Guthrie, and Golden Hope Plantations. He is also part of an advisory group for the Brookings Doha Center. Currently, Musa is the Chairman of the World Islamic Economic Foundation.

On 25 September 2024, Tun Musa Hitam was appointed as the Grand Chancellor of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia. This is a special role given by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for three years.

Personal Life

Musa was first married to Datin Ines Maria Reyna, who was from Peru. They met in Lima, Peru, in 1959 when he was a student. They had three children: Mariana, Carlos Abdul Rashid, and Rosana. Sadly, Carlos and his wife, Rozina Datuk Abu Bakar, passed away during the Highland Towers collapse on 11 December 1993.

Musa is now married to Toh Puan Zulaikha Sheardin. His daughter Mariana passed away on 5 November 2022.

Election Results

Honours and Awards

Musa Hitam has received many special awards and honours from Malaysia and other countries. These awards recognize his important contributions and service.

Honours from Malaysia

•  Malaysia :
  • Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (SSM) – This award gives him the title Tun (received in 2006).
  • Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PMN) – This award gives him the title Tan Sri (received in 1994).
•  Johor :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Johor (SPMJ) – This award gives him the title Dato' (received in 1973).
  • Knight Grand Companion of the Order of Loyalty of Sultan Ismail of Johor (SSIJ) – This award also gives him the title Dato' (received in 1977).
  • First Class of the Sultan Ibrahim Medal (PIS I) (received in 1982).
•  Malacca :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Premier and Exalted Order of Malacca (DUNM) – This award gives him the title Datuk Seri Utama (received in 1982).
•  Negeri Sembilan :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan (SPNS) – This award gives him the title Dato' Seri Utama (received in 1982).
•  Sabah :
  • Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu (SPDK) – This award gives him the title Datuk Seri Panglima (received in 1984).
•  Selangor :
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (SPMS) – This award gives him the title Dato' Seri (received in 1982).

International Honours

•  Japan :
  • Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (received in 2018).