Remembering Azah Aziz on Her Birthday
Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Sharifah Azah Syed Mohammad Alsagoff, also known as Azah Aziz, and more commonly recognized as Mak Ungku (21 August 1928 – 9 July 2012), was a prominent figure in Malay culture within Malaysia. She was notably the spouse of Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid and the mother of Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who served as the 7th Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia.
Early Life And Education
Azah Aziz, also known as Norazah Aziz, is a prominent figure in Malaysia, recognized for her contributions to the arts and culture. Born on August 13, 1972, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Azah is the youngest of four siblings in a middle-class family. Her early education was completed at a private school in her hometown, where she also nurtured a passion for sports, particularly field hockey. Azah’s foray into the limelight began at the tender age of 16 when she was discovered by a talent scout, leading to a successful modeling career. This early exposure to the entertainment industry paved the way for her eventual rise as a celebrated actress and social media personality. On the other hand, Sharifah Azah binti Syed Mohammad Alsagoff, often referred to as Mak Ungku, was another distinguished individual sharing the name Azah Aziz. Born on August 21, 1928, in the Straits Settlements, now Singapore, she became a revered Malay cultural figure in Malaysia. She was married to Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid and was the mother of Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, the 7th Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia. Her life was marked by significant contributions to Malay culture, literature, and women’s rights until her passing on July 9, 2012.
Career And Achievements
Azah Aziz passion for culture was influenced by her mother’s distinguished background and her own inherited collection of early Malay textiles and garments. She began her career as a secretary for a newspaper editor-in-chief and climbed the ranks in journalism, eventually founding Akaz, her own publishing company. Aziz was instrumental in launching Malaysia’s first Malay daily afternoon tabloid, Harian Metro, and contributed to the New Straits Times, Malaysia’s oldest newspaper. Her literary contributions include publishing books, children’s songs, and poems, marking her as the first woman in Malaysia to do so. Aziz’s advocacy extended beyond journalism; she actively worked for women’s rights, championing salary equality, separate taxes for working wives, and Muslim family amendments. She founded the Malaysian Women’s Journalists Association and became the president of the National Writers Association of Malaysia. Her dedication to cultural preservation was evident in her collection of antique garments and fabrics, and her book “Rupa dan gaya: Busana Melayu” (2006) reflects her in-depth knowledge of Malay costume, jewelry, and textiles. For her lifelong efforts, Aziz was awarded an honorary Doctorate degree of arts and education, and she is fondly remembered as a cultural icon who uplifted the status of Malay traditions.
Notable Events And Milestones
Azah Aziz marriage to Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid in 1946 was not only a personal milestone but also a union that would influence the cultural and intellectual landscape of Malaysia. Azah’s career spanned various roles, from working at the Johor Bahru Welfare Department between 1941 and 1951 to serving as Secretary of the Social Department at the University of Malaya Singapore. She continued her service in academia as Secretary in the Malay Studies Department at the University of Malaya. Her contributions to journalism are particularly noteworthy; she was the founder and President of the Malaysian Women’s Journalists Association from 1971 to 1978 and played a significant role in advocating for women’s rights, including salary equality and separate taxes for working wives.
As a journalist and author, Azah Aziz was a trailblazer, introducing the Haiku, a short Japanese poem, to Malaysian society, and was among the first women in Malaysia to publish books and children’s songs through her company, ‘Akaz’. Her literary works and her role as editor of Utusan Malaysia from 1973 to 1978 underscore her influence in shaping public discourse and promoting cultural awareness. Azah’s impact on culture was profound; she was known as ‘Tokoh Budayawan Melayu’, a Malay cultural figure, for her extensive work in collecting traditional textiles, jewelry, clothes, and handicrafts. Her efforts in preserving Malay culture extended to writing and lecturing on the subject since the 1950s and introducing dance drama clothing in the ASEAN University Arts Festival. Her poetic talents were also recognized, with her ‘pantun’, a Malay poetic form, featured in Mastika magazine.
In philanthropy, Azah served on the board of trustees of the Tun Abdul Razak Foundation and was a member of various advisory boards, including the national cultural advisory council and KARYANEKA, contributing to the cultural and social development of Malaysia. Her legacy is also carried on by her daughter, Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, the 7th Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia, who continues to uphold the values and principles that Azah championed. Azah Aziz’s dedication to journalism, culture, and women’s rights has had a lasting impact on Malaysian society. Her advocacy for women’s issues and her efforts to preserve Malay cultural heritage have inspired many and will continue to influence future generations. Azah’s life story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in creating meaningful change and preserving cultural identity for posterity. Her legacy lives on, not only in the institutions she helped shape and the cultural treasures she preserved but also in the hearts and minds of those who continue to be inspired by her work and values. Azah Aziz passed away on July 9, 2012, but her contributions to society, culture, and the world at large remain a significant part of her enduring legacy.
Awards And Honors
- Azah Aziz was a prominent cultural figure in Malaysia, known for her contributions to literature, journalism, and the arts.
- She was the founder and President of the Malaysian Women’s Journalists Association from 1971 to 1978.
- Azah played a pioneering role in advocating for women’s rights, particularly in issues of salary equality and separate taxes for working wives.
- Her efforts in preserving Malay heritage were recognized with an honorary Doctorate degree of arts and education.
- Azah Aziz was honored as a Tokoh Wanita Johor in 1992 and named a Tokoh Budayawan Melayu for her cultural contributions.
- On 21 August 2003, a Google Doodle was created to celebrate Azah Aziz’s 94th Birthday.
Additional Resources
Books: “Rupa and Gaya Busana Melayu” by Azah Aziz is a well-regarded book that delves into the textiles and costumes of the Malay world. Although it’s out of print, you might find it in libraries or second-hand bookstores.
Documentaries: While there may not be a documentary specifically about Azah Aziz, documentaries on Malaysian culture may feature her work, especially those focusing on journalism, women’s rights, and Malay textiles.
Museums: The Pahang State Museum Corporation in Malaysia may have exhibitions or archives related to Azah Aziz’s work, considering her contributions to Malay culture and journalism.
Online Resources: Google Doodles archive features a special doodle celebrating Azah Aziz’s 94th birthday, which can be a starting point for online research.
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