TAN SRI DR. LIM SWEE AUN

FINDING AIDS:

“YANG BERBAHAGIA TAN SRI DR. LIM SWEE AUN”

FACULTY OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Puncak Perdana Campus

No. 1 Jalan Pulau Angsa A U10/A,
Seksyen U10, 40150 Shah Alam

Selangor Darul Ehsan

FIRST ISSUE 2020 / COPYRIGHT
Each of this publication should not be reproduced, stored for production or transform to another form, either by electronic means, mechanics, photograph, recording and otherwise without the

written permission of the Faculty of Information Management.

ADVISOR:
Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohamad Noorman Masrek
Dean of Faculty of Information Management

EDITOR:
Datin Jannatul Iza binti Ahmad Kamal

COMPILER:
Muhammad Azrul Nurnaim bin A. Wahab Zawawi

Muhammad Nur Ehsan bin Zainal Radzi
Nurul Aisyahtul Najwa binti Ros Ahmad Nizam

Puteri Sofea Ummairah binti Abu Bakar
Siti Nurhafizah binti Mohd Nashruddin

Zarina binti Zarin

https://fim.uitm.edu.my/

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, we would like to express our gratitude to Almighty Allah to enable us to
complete this finding aids on Malaysia's Political Archive "Lim Swee Aun.". The success of this
project demands helps from the number of people. We have also taken help from different people
for the preparation of this report. Now, there is a little effort to show my deep gratitude to that
helpful person. I convey my sincere gratitude to my lecturer Datin Jannatul Izza Binti Ahmad
Kamal. Without her kind direction and proper guidance, this study would have been a little
success. At every step of the project, her supervision and guidance contributed to the perfection of
this report. In completing this final project, we have made references and access section from
National Archive Malaysia and National Archive Singapore . We would also like to express
apology for any mistake and shortcoming in carrying out this task. To end with, we truly
delighted, for this research would bring benefits to others.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

This finding aids book has been created to aid in the retrieval and use of documents and archive
materials linked to Malaysia's Political Archive "Lim Swee Aun." The purpose of this finding aids
is to make it easier for researchers to locate and get the materials they needed. A lot of
information may be acquired from a variety of sources, either in form of electronic or non-
electronic sources. Among the materials used in the preparation of this finding aids are documents
related to a collection in the archive, such as images, articles, and newspapers, and some others.
Furthermore, all items are classified according to collection type, which simply details inventory
and description of selected materials. The content of this findings aids is based on the materials
available in the National Archives of Malaysia.

TABLE OF CONTENT PAGES
I
DESCRIPTION II
Acknowledgement 1
Explanatory Note
Introduction 2-4
List of Abbreviation 5-7
Chapter 1 : Early Life and Family 8 – 11
Chapter 2 : Early Education 12 – 16
Chapter 3 : Profession 17 – 21
Chapter 4 : Political Career 22 – 29
Chapter 5 : The Involvement and Contribution 30 – 33
Chapter 6 : Delegations 34 – 36
Chapter 7 : The Retirement 37 - 40
Chapter 8 : Award

TABLE OF CONTENT

DESCRIPTION PAGES
Conclusion 41
List of Figures
List of Archival Materials III – VII
Indexes VIII – XII
References
XIII
XIV - XV

INTRODUCTION OF
TAN SRI DR. LIM SWEE AUN

FIGURE 1: Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun was born on 13 September 1915 in Taiping, Perak. When he
THE HONORABLE MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND was at the age of 4 years old until high school Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun attended King
Edward VII School in Taiping and started played rugby at school and was awarded the
INDUSTRY, TAN SRI DR. LIM SWEE AUN School Colours for rugby in 1931. Between June 1932-March 1938, Tan Sri Dr. Lim
Swee Aun attended University of Malaya, Singapore. In March 1935, he earned Honors
ACCESSION NUMBER: in Anatomy in the 2nd Professional Examination, sharing the award with Quek Eng
2001/0025929W Lan. They set a record as the only 2 Difference students that year among all other
students. For this Lim Swee Aun got a scholarship and Quek Eng Lan got free tuition.
In March of 1938, Lim Swee Aun completed his Medical Course with Distinction in
Medicine and Materia Medica and was awarded the Lim Boon Keng Medal.

At the age of 16 in year 1935, He was the captain of the Singapore All Blues Rugby
team that won the Pan-Malaysian Interstate Rugby match. In August 22, 1938. Tan Sri
Dr. Lim Swee Aun married to Puan Sri Quek Eng Lan. Started on July 28, 1962 Lim
Swee Aun Swearing in as Minister of the Malaysian Government at Kuala Lumpur,
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. After an all-around tour of the world with
his wife, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun suffered a heart attack in 1977 and died in London,
United Kingdom.

LIST OF ABBREVIATION

No Abbreviation Description

1 BMA British Military Administration

2 DOT Department of Tourism

3 EPU Economic Planning Division

4 FFM Federal Flours Mils

5 FKR Fung Keong Rubber

6 FMSB FFM Marketing Sdn.Bhd

7 GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

8 HRPB Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun

9 IJN Imperier Japan Navy

10 KEMC King Edward VII Medical College

11 MARA Majlis Amanah Rakyat

12 MCA Malaysian Chinese Association

13 MITI Minister of International Trade and Industry

LIST OF ABBREVIATION

No Abbreviation Description

14 MOH Minister of Health

15 NM National Monument

16 NMB National Museum

17 NUS National University of Singapore

18 PC Press Conference

19 PIR Public Investigaye Room

20 PM Prime Minister

21 POWS Prisoners Of Wars

22 PPBG Perlis Plantation Berhad Group

23 PSPC Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church

24 RCDC Raffles College Of Design and Commerce

25 SGH Singapore General Hospital

26 TAR Tunku Abdul Rahman

LIST OF ABBREVIATION

No Abbreviation Description

27 TAR UC Tunku Abdul Rahman University College

28 UK United Kingdom

29 UM University of Malaya

30 UN United Nations



Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun is a native of Perak. He was born on 1st September 1915 at Taiping, Perak. Lim Swee Aun, commonly known as " Ah Koh" or " Babi Koh," is the
oldest son of Lim Tee Hooi and Foong Cheong Ngan. He has 16 siblings, which are seven biological siblings, eight step-siblings and an adopted brother. His mother is his
father's second marriage, and he has three stepmothers. Lim Tee Hooi met Foong Cheong Mooi while he was working at one of clinic in Kampar, Perak. At that time, he was on
duty to treat Mooi Cheong, who had suffered an eye disease, particularly poor eyesight in both eyes. After the surgery, Cheong Mooi was able to see again and married Tee
Hooi. However, after several years of their marriage, they still did not bless with children. While working as a hospital assistant, Tee Hooi had adopted a baby of Indian descent
after knowing his mother died and his father could not be reached. He named the boy with his family name in front of him which was Lim Swee Bin. Afterwards, his father and
his first stepmother returned to Hokkien (Fujian), China to meet her family. Then her stepmother, Mooi Cheong, introduced his father to her other sister to be his wife because
Cheong Mooi could not give children to her husband. According to Chinese tradition, they need at least one son to carry on the name and continuity of their lineage. For that
reason, Cheong Mooi wants to marry her husband to one of her younger sisters. Later, Lim Tee Hooi married Foong Cheong Ngan, Lim Swee Aun's mother and returned to
Malaya. His mother is the second child in her family. As a result of Lim Tee Hooi's marriage with his mother, Foo Cheong Ngan, they have been blessed with seven children,
four boys and three girls. While in Malaya, his mother began earning investments via the selling of gardening, but her venture was unsuccessful, and she went bankrupt. As a
consequence, her mother has to be a maid and take care of her employer’s daughter named Wong Hee. Wong hee was raised with Lim Swee Aun and his other siblings. Having
grown up, Wong Hee has married his father and has become his father’s third wife. As a result of their marriage, they have been blessed with five children, four boys and three
girls. Afterwards, his mother's youngest sister, Foong Cheong Yeong, arrived in Malaya from Hokkien, China, and lived with them. Foong Cheong Yeong is also married to Lim
Tee Hooi and has three children, two boys and a girl. That is why indirectly Lim Swee Aun has 16 siblings. Most intriguingly, while in college at King Edward VII College of
Medicine, Lim Swee Aun met the love of his life, Quek Eng Lan. This lovely couple married on 22nd August 1938 at the Chinese Church in Prinsep Street. This couple is
blessed with four cutie children, two males and two females. Their first child named is May Lim Meng Eng (1939), following by a second child named Evelyn Lim Meng Lim
(1941), a third child named Lim Meng Aun ( 1945) and their last child named Lim Meng Hooi ( 1946).

Figure 2:
It is a photograph of Dr Lim Swee Aun from 1964

Accession Number:
2001/0025929W



Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun received his second education at King Edward VII School, Taiping and since 1930, Lim Swee Aun has been involved and active in rugby. King
Edward School is a premier secondary school for boys located on Jalan Museum Hulu, in Taiping, Perak. This school is one of the oldest schools in Malaysia and it was
established in July 1883. Swee Aun received his secondary education here just like his father before he entered King Edward VII Medical College in Singapore. His father, Tee
Hooi, was also sent to this school before following his father to Singapore and studying at one of the institutions there. In addition, the sport of rugby was introduced in King
Edward VII school by T.J. Thomas was the schoolmaster in 1923. Rugby is a popular sport at the school apart from the sport of football. Thus, Swee Aun began to actively
involve himself in the sport of rugby in the 1930s. He has also been the school’s representative in this rugby sporting event. In the year of June 1932, at the age of 16, Swee Aun
joined King Edward VII Medical College in Singapore, which later amalgamated with Raffles College to create the University of Malaya. King Edward VII Medical College
(KEMC) was a medical school located within the grounds of the Singapore General Hospital at Outram Park, within the Bukit Merah Planning Area near Singapore's central
business district. The history of this college began when the Straits and Federated Malay States Government Medical School was founded in 1905 at a former women's mental
asylum in Sepoy Lines as Singapore's medical training school. In addition, it was renamed King Edward VII College of Medicine in 1921, and the College of Medicine
Building was erected in 1926 to assist accommodate the growing medical school. However, this medical college has renamed to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya,
and its successor institutions, the University of Singapore and the National University of Singapore soon followed. Lim Swee Aun was a bright student during his studies, and
he also received a Distinction in Anatomy in the 2nd Professional Examination. Because of his achievement, he was awarded a scholarship. During his final examination in
1938, Swee Aun managed to get the much-coveted honour Lim Boon Keng medal because he succeeds to gain the Distinction in Medicine and Materia Medica. However, he is
not only diligent in his studies, but he is also quite active in sports throughout his college year. He has participated in athletic activities such as football, hockey, and rugby, and
this amazing man is also a captain in Singapore all the Blues Rugby team in 1935. The proof is his team has won the Trophy for Pan-Malayan Interstate Rugby Matches in
1935. After graduation, he has completed his horsemanship at the Hospital of Singapore. In the year of 1939, he was sent on duty in leper colony Sungai Lumpur and hospital
Ipoh or know as Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (now), before moving back to his hometown at Taiping, Perak, in the year 1940. However, this amazing man was not only a
doctor, but he was also the founder and a member of the Perak branch of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA). After entering politics, Swee Aun has held several
positions such as Minister of health in 1962 and the same year he has become Minister of trade and industry.

Figure 3:
A newspaper excerpt from the MALAYA TRIBUNE on 13 October 1934,
indicating that the Medical College rugby team would play their first rugby
match of the season against the H.M.S., with Lim Swee Aun among the

players involved.

Reels Number:
NL4038

Figure 4 : Figure 5:
Newspaper excerpt from The Straits Time on Newspaper excerpt from Malaya Tribune on 8th April 1939 about Lim Swee Aun
July 17, 1938. The contents of the newspaper
from Medical College has joined to work at Hospital Ipoh.
excerpt are related to the Medical College
Graduate list Reels Number:
NL4077
Reels Number:
NL02369

Figure 6: Figure 7:
Newspaper excerpt from Malaya Tribune on 21st Newspaper excerpt from Morning Tribune on 27th November 1936 about about
rugby team of Medical College will meet N.S. in rugby match. Lim Swee Aun is
October 1936 about rugby team of Medical one of the player involve in the match.
College will meet St. Andrews 1st xv in rugby
match. Lim Swee Aun is one of the player involve Reels Number:
NL2269
in the match.

Reels Number:
NL4052



As for Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun’s employment history, it not only involved his day-to-day work, but as he lived during the Japanese rule in
Singapore, he also did many other jobs during his involvement in the Singapore medical team. Lim did short stints in Singapore and Ipoh before
returning to his hometown of Taiping after completing his studies. Lim Swee Aun was sent to the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium in 1939 before he
moved to the Ipoh General Hospital and returned to his hometown located in Taiping, Perak in 1940. Then, in December 1941 when Lim Swee Aun
was still at the young age of 26, war came and Taiping suffered its first bomb on 8 December. The main attack carried out by the Japanese Army
came from the north. So, without thinking long, Lim Swee Aun decided to move his whole family to the rambutan garden of Reverend Quek Kheng
Hoon who is his father -in -law in Bukit Timah, Singapore so that they would be spared from the attack of the war. From known sources of
information, it is believed that Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun was an allied supporter and assisted the volunteer team in the field of medicine and health.
As he was a graduate of King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore (at the age of 16), he was evacuated and stayed at Taiping Hospital,
Perak with a medical convoy in stages from the south as the enemy (Japanese army) approached from the north. After convoying from the south, he
finally arrived in Singapore and subsequently allied with the medical team there. This is to ease the burden of medical staff because Tan Sri Dr Lim
Swee Aun is considered as a great nurse. Returning to his family left behind in his father -in -law's garden, not long after that, his family had to move
and leave the RAMBUTAN BUKIT TIMAH area and continue their journey to a church called Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church. This is because it
is known that there is an enemy (Japanese army) that is getting closer to the area. However, in the church, Lim Swee Aun and his family are not alone
because there are also some other people who also take refuge there. They had to take refuge under benches to hide in order to survive being snatched
or bombed by the Japanese army. At that time in Singapore, there were cannon fire and bombings that continued every day from morning to night
carried out from across the causeway. At that time, Singapore had already surrendered and caused the presence of Japanese troops to be everywhere.
Japanese forces also returned people who do not have official status in Singapore back to Malaya. It took 4 days and 3 nights for Lim Swee Aun's
family to reach Taiping by bullock cart.

During the Japanese occupation, Dr. Tan Chen Leng took Lim Swee On September 2, 1945, that is, after the surrender of the "white flag"
Aun to work with him in Taiping. During the occupation period, from IJN, Lim Swee Aun decided to resign from the job given by Dr.
medicine was secretly supplied to Prisoners of War from Lim Swee Tan Chen Leng. After that, he personally started training at 75 Kota
Aun. Not only that, Lim Swee Aun, Dr. Chen Leng as well as Parsi Jal Road, Taiping, Perak. The money had to be collected himself by
Manecksha helped the Indian P.O.W.s of The Motor Transport Unit mortgaging the jewelery given by his mother and wife to buy a
No. 1 under the command of Subenar Nurud Din secretly. A total of $ premise. Day and night he worked harder just to treat his patients and
15,000 was donated by them to Dr. Tarlok Singh | This was aimed at will also make house calls even if the country is in a state of
buying medicines and food to Indian prisoners of war who were ill. emergency, which the communists were active in Malaya. When his
Radio is also used by them to hear news about the enemy. The radio is patients could not afford the cost of treatment, he would treat them for
disassembled and hidden each time after use. This is to keep them free. In 1962 to 1969, he was appointed minister of trade and industry
unnoticed. Those who do this are said to be part of a “war news of Malaysia. At the same time, he was also appointed the fifth health
circle”. He even kept it a secret from his own wife. After the end of minister. Due to his great service to the state of Perak, the state
the war, a Certificate of Praise was given to Lim Swee Aun for his government awarded him as the independence figure of the state of
deeds. Malcolm McDonald gave this award on the instructions of the Perak under the leadership of the Perak secretary general, Dato 'Seri
British Government. Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir on 30 August 2011.

FIGURE 8: FIGURE 9:
The Minister of health, Dr. Lim Swee Aun with representatives delegates from Minister of trade and enterprises, Dr. Lim Swee Aun hold a press
conference at the public investigation room of the tax advisory board in
government hospitals in the federations; 29.09 Kuala Lumpur where he announced three important and related
government measures towards unifying the Malaysian-Regional-
ACCESSION NO: Economy
2001/0028267W
ACCESSION NO:
1957/0000755E

21

FIGURE 10: FIGURE 11:
Russia, Mr V.B Spandarian visits office of the Minister of Trade and Minister of Trade and Enterprises, Dr. Lim Swee Aun visit by Alfro-
Asia Trade Union representatives, Parliament building, Kuala Lumpur;
Enterprises, Kuala Lumpur; 21.03.1967
ACCESSION NO:
ACCESSION NO: 2001/0030084W
2001/0035519W

22



FIGURE 12 : Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun his political career began in 1953, when he joined the Perak
MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, DR. LIM SWEE branch of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and was elected to the Perak State
Executive and Legislative Councils.Lim Swee Aun become famous through the ranks of the
AUN.JANUARY 20 1967 MCA, serving as National Vice President from 1959 to 1962 and Deputy National President
from 1962 to 1969. Lim campaigned for Chinese citizenship as member of the MCA and
ACCESSION NO: encouraged Chinese citizens to gain citizenship in Malaysia.
2001/0035226W
After that, In 1959 Lim Swee Aun became a Member of Parliament when he won the
Larut Selatan seat.The boundaries of the 1959 election were split in two. So 52 seats to be 104
across Malaya. Suddenly many areas, mostly chinese including Lewat, Sitiawan and Beruas.
When the Prime Minister of Malaysia Tuanku Abdul Rahman as the Deputy Prime Minister
was Tun Razak Hussein. This election was the first after independence on August 31, 1957.
The general Malayan election of 1959 was quite cool because it was ranked, starting from
Perak to Kelantan. At that time, Sabah and Sarawak had not joined Malaysia. Parliamentary
seats increased from 52 in 1955 to 104 seats in 1959. The federation will have 74 seats and the
opposition will win 30 seats.

INDUSTRIALISATION FIGURE 13 :
SWEDISH MOTOR ASSEMBLIES, DR.OFFICIATING THE
Lim Swee Aun is a important person in the
establishment of the Malaysian Federation. He organized a OPENING OF MALAYSIA’S FIRST CAR ASSEMBLY
delegation to Borneo to create an Alliance party that PLANT, KLANG; 17.2.1968.
would join the Federation Alliance in Sarawak and
Sabah.He is a member of Malaya's delegation in 1963, ACCESSION NO:
which was led by Tun Razak and responsible with 2001/0036595W
handling outstanding issues with Singapore and Brunei
over their membership in the Federation. Malaysia's Prime As Minister of Commerce and Industry, Lim Swee Aun handling and fight for free industry and enterprise in
Minister (PM) announced a cabinet reshuffle on July 16, Malaysia.He encouraged international investors to establish pioneering factories and industries in Malaysia while
1962, which included Lim Swee Aun appointment as simultaneously protecting and promoting local manufacturing. In 1968,Lim Swee Aun opened the first vehicle
Minister of Transport.. Lim Swee Aun was unexpectedly assembly plant in Malaysia known as Swedish Motor Assemblies Sendirian Berhad.He also encouraged foreign
moved to the Ministry of Health 10 days later.Lim Swee investment in joint ventures but insisted on a minimum of 51 percent Malaysian involvement. From Perlis in the
Aun was assigned to the Minister of Commerce and north to Johore in the south, industrial zones were established all across the nation. Dr. Lim Swee Aun established
Industry in another cabinet swap in October 1962. the beginnings of what would become the country's primary industry in 1963. Dr. Lim stated that his ministry had
received several enquiries from international and local businesses regarding the potential of building up a car
manufacturing facility in the Federation while on his way to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
(GATT) that year.Lim Swee Aun then revealed that the larger goal was to build a motor vehicle industry in Malaysia
in phases, starting with basic assembly with local content and progressing to chassis manufacture and eventually to a
locally produced automobile. On 7 May 1983, Proton manufacturer Syarikat Otomobile Nasional Berhad) was
established, and on 9 July 1985, the Proton Saga, the first Malaysian-made vehicle was introduced.

FORMATION OF MALAYSIA
AGREEMENT 1963

Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun was also part in the final round of Malaysian
talks throughout his political career. Tun Abdul Razak, Tan Siew Sin, and Dr Lim
Swee Aun led a Malayan delegation to London on June 25, 1963. According to
Sir Geofroy Tory, Mr. Tan and Dr. Lim Swee Aun's roles are to prevent Tun
Razak from making unnecessary compromises. On July 5, an agreement was
made on the main issue, and it was only then that Tunku left for London. In
1963, Lim Swee Aun was one of the signatories of the Malaysia Agreement.

FIGURE 17 :

FIGURE 14 : FIGURE 16 : NINTH COMMONWEALTH
DR.LIM SWEE AUN, MINISTER OF
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND FIGURE 15 : KENYA, MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE,
CHAIRMAN OF THE THE MINISTER OF HEALTH, DR.
COMMONWEALTH LIM SWEE AUN WITH PARLIAMENT. VISIT TO INAUGURATION CEREMONY. DR.
PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION, REPRESENTATIVES DELEGATES
SPEAKING AT THE NINTH FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS MALAYSIA. VISIT TO THE LIM SWEE AUN, MINISTER OF
PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE, IN THE FEDERATION; 29.09
KUALA LUMPUR; 4.11.1963 MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY,
ACCESSION NO:
ACCESSION NO: 2001/0028267W INDUSTRY, DR. LIM SWEE AUN, PRESENTING THE VICE-PRESIDENT
2001/0024483W
KUALA LUMPUR; 11.12.1965, DR. OF THE COUNCIL, MR. D.B.

LIM SWEE AUN, KUALA LUMPUR; SANGSTER TO THE YANG DI-

11.12.1965 PERTUAN AGONG, KUALA

LUMPUR;

ACCESSION NO: ACCESSION NO:
2001/0030190W 2001/0024485W



ECONOMY FIGURE 18:
ASPECTS Sultan of Selangor officiates opening Federal Wheat Factory in

His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor officiated the opening of the RM5 Million Federal Wheat Mill in Port Port Swettenham.
Swettenham on 20 January 1968. FFM Berhad (FFM) was incorporated in 1962 but started operating as a wheat
flour manufacturer in 1966. PPB Group Berhad acquired FFM in 1987 to become a listed subsidiary of 50.86% ACCESSION NO:
of PPB Group Berhad. In 2004, FFM was privatized based on a member arrangement scheme under Section 2001/0036538W
176 of the Companies Act 1965, making FFM a wholly -owned subsidiary of PPB. FFM Berhad has 5 flour
mills located in 5 different states. These 5 flour mills are operated by FFM Berhad and 2 of our 100% owned
subsidiaries, FFM Grains & Mills Sdn. Bhd. And Johor Bahru Flour Mill Sdn. Bhd.

FFM Group's consumer product division, FFM Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (FMSB) was established in 1993 to
provide not only comprehensive distribution services, but also integrated marketing systems ranging from
product development, marketing planning and execution, market information systems, advertising and
promotion, inventory control, and warehousing and distribution. To date, FMSB has established a strong
distribution network for international and local brands.

Today, the FFM Group is the largest flour manufacturer in Malaysia and has interests in flour milling operations
in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and China. With continued efforts to expand its revenue base, the FFM Group
is now a major player in the manufacture of compound animal feed. The group is also involved in the
marketing & distribution of edible oils and fast moving consumer goods, livestock, grain trade, and food
processing.

The picture shows His Majesty the Sultan opening the nameplate of the mill while being observed by the
Minister of Trade and Industry, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun (right) and Mr Kuok Hock Nien, chairman of the
Board of Directors of the Federal Wheat Mill.

FIGURE 19: The discussion between the Minister of Foreign Trade Belgium and Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun at the Ministry
Discussions between the Belgian Foreign Trade Minister and of Commerce and Industry. The Belgian trade delegation led by the Belgian ambassador to Malaysia, Mr. Frans
Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun in the Ministry of Commerce and Taeleman has begun its discussions with the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun was
followed by Ministry officials at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Kuala
Industry. Lumpur on April 27, 1967. The delegation consulted with senior officials of the Treasury Department and the
Economic Planning Division in the office of the Minister of Trade and Industry.
ACCESSION NO:
2001/0035664W Belgium has expressed its readiness to make a success of the first few Malaysia Development Plans. This
assurance was given by the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. August de Winter who also promised that
any development needs in Malaysia would be studied by the Belgians without delay.

Thereafter, the Belgian entourage was conducted under the leadership of Prince Albert. The purpose of this
delegation is to discuss the economy between Malaysia and Belgium. Apart from that, Prince Albert also
presented a star of honor to the Minister of Finance, Tuan Tan Siew Sin. The Minister of Commerce and
Industry, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun and the Minister of Transport, Tan Sri Sardon bin Haji Jubir received the
Grand Cross of the other of Leopaid II at the ceremony.

Minister of Foreign Trade Belgium, Mr. August de Winter, received by the ambassador of Belgium to Malaysia,
Mr. Frans Taeleman had discussion with the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun and
Ministry officers ath the conference room of the Minister Commerce and Industry, Kuala Lumpur. The picture
shiws Mr. August de Winter (left), Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun (second from left), and the ambassador Belgium,
Mr. Frans Taeleman (second from right)

FIGURE 20: On 17 November 1939 the firm was founded. Fung Keong Rubber Manufactory Sdn Bhd reported a
Fung Keong Rubber Manufactory ( M ) limited. the Minister 16.08% decline in 2019 from the latest financial highlights. The total volume of Fung Keong Rubber
of Commerce and Industry, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun visited Manufacture Sdn Bhd increased by 57.09 percent during the same time.

the factory, Klang. Incorporated in 1939 and a major provider of motorcycle tyres and cycling tyres in Malaysia under the
Malaysian FKR brand, Fung Keong Rubber Manufactory (M) Sdn Bhd has expanded. The FKR tyres are
ACCESSION NO: FKR tubes for the motorcycle and bicycle tyres. The fully proprietary subsidiary FKR Marketing Sdn Bhd
2001/0028462W operates in the domestic market all FKR goods marketing and distribution. FKR goods are available in
every corner of the country with a wide network of distribution companies in Malaysia.

The Federal Minister of Commerce and Industry, Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun, and his wife recently visited a
rubber goods factory in Klang. Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun later said that he was happy that more natural
rubber was being used by these factories which also earned large amounts of foreign exchange by exporting
their finished products such as rubber shoes, and bicycle tires and tubes.

By the description of Online Finding Aids (OFA) stated that, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Tan Sri
Dr Lim Swee Aun , paid an inspection visit to three major rubber factories in Klang on 26 July 1963. Tan
Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun expressed satisfaction seeing many manufacturers use natural rubber in the
production of their goods and employs around 30% of workers wither. the picture shows the Minister
inspecting the sewing section of the Fung Keong (M) Rubber Factory limited behind him is Mr. Chang Kim
Fook, managing director of the company Fung Keong Rubber Manufactory (M) Sdn. Bhd.

FIGURE 21: FIGURE 22:
United Kingdom, Imperial Defence College, Military officers Minister of Commerce and Industry had a Press Conference at

attending a talk by Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun. Public Investigating room.

ACCESSION NO: ACCESSION NO:
2001/0028803W 1957/0000755E

SOCIAL
ASPECTS

FIGURE 23: Minister of Commerce and Industry, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun on 18 December 1967 attended the closing
Closing ceremony of Malaysia International Tourism ceremony of Malaysia’s International Tourism Campaign in 1967 at the auditorium of Majlis Amanah Rakyat
(MARA), Kuala Lumpur. Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun also gave prizes to the winners of the poster and picture
Campaign. competition. Photo shows Minister finding poster picture and winning attachment.

ACCESSION NO: Minister of Trade and Industry, Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun will announce the winner of the tourism publicity poster
2001/0036447W contest on 18 December 1967. The first place winner will receive a return flight ticket to Hong Kong, a tin, and
draw certificate signed by Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun.

The contest was launched by the Department of Tourism in conjunction with the UN -sponsored International Year
of Tourism. A total of 58 amateur artists took part in the contest, which aims to publicize Malaysia as a tourist
attraction.

Meanwhile, posters include the National Mosque, National Monument, National Museum, Subang airport, and the
Parliament House. Three prize -winning posters were chosen today by three judges; Frank Sullivan, Mr. Kington
Loo, and Syed Ahmad Jamal. Sullivans said he was disappointed that there was no participation from the
advertising firm’s staff.

.

When Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun was appointed Health Minister, he said he would not seek to see
that the expansion and improvement to hospitals, and the improvement of health services in urban
and rural areas, continue to follow developments.

He said he needed the full cooperation and support of all officers in the medical and health services.
One of its tasks is to review the progress that has been made in medical and health services to meet
the needs of the community.

Therefore, the Minister of Health declared the opening of the Public Health Examiners Union
Conference held at the Medical Research Institute, Kuala Lumpur on 29 September 1962. The picture
shows Minister of Health, Dr. Lim Swee Aun taking a group photography after the opening ceremony
of the Public Health Examiners Union Association.

FIGURE 24:
Closing ceremony of the Public Health Examiners Union

Association.

ACCESSION NO:
2001/0028265W

FIGURE 25: FIGURE 26: FIGURE 27:
Opening of Press Seminar at University of Malaya. Opening Administration and Management courses Opening of the 11th Tutor Sister Conference.

ACCESSION NO: at Government Officers Training halls. ACCESSION NO:
2001/0030377W 2001/0028235W
ACCESSION NO:
2001/0036649W



Delegations from abroads..

Having held various positions in the Cabinet of Malaysia, Lim Swee Aun has been involved in various consultancy activities as well as visits both
within the state and abroad. He has carried out his duties with dedication through his good relationship with the Minister as well as representatives
from foreign countries. According to the historical timeline of political relations between Malaysia and other countries, the name Lim Swee Aun is
no longer foreign. The name Lim Swee Aun was also featured in several foreign newspapers following his involvement in consultations with
representatives there. There is some negotiating evidence that can be obtained through online finding aids, such as Lim Swee Aun receiving visits
from several representatives of other countries. For instance, an Indonesia’s ambassador to Malaysia, brigadier general Abdul visited the minister
of Commerce and Industry, Lim Swee Aun in the federal building, Kuala Lumpur on 3rd of June 1968. Next, on 20th May 1968, a representative
from Russia, Mr. Vladimir Nikolaevitch Kuznetsov visited Lim Swee Aun in Kuala Lumpur. Whereas Lim Swee Aun received a visit from Russia
when V.B. Spandarian went to see him at the office of the Minister of Trade and Enterprises, Kuala Lumpur on 21st of March 1967. Besides
delegations from foreign countries, Lim Swee Aun was also involved in negotiations between Malaysia and foreign countries that required him to
participate in several visits with other ministers. For example, Lim Swee Aun is one of the individuals responsible for the final rounds of
negotiations on the Malaysia talks. He who held the position of Minister of Commerce at that time had left for London along with Tun Abdul
Razak, and Tan Siew Sin on June 1963 to negotiate the Formation of Malaysia Agreement in 1963. According to Sir Geofroy Tory, the
involvement of Tan Siew Sin and Lim Swee Aun was to prevent Tun Razak from placing undue agreements. On the 5th of July, consensus was
achieved on the fundamental matters of issue, and it was only after that Tun Abdul Razak returned from London. In addition to this information,
Lim Swee Aun is also among the signatories of the Malaysia Agreement which can be considered as one of his major involvement and

contributions to the country. Through all of the events attend by Lim Swe3e7Aun regarding the delegation between Malaysia and other countries has

proven that he is indeed an influential individual that manage to carry out his role as a good member of the cabinet of ministers.

FIGURE 28: FIGURE 29: FIGURE 30:
AMBASSADOR FROM INDONESIA TO RUSSIA, TUAN VLADIMIR NIKOLAEVITCH RUSSIA, TUAN V.B. SPANDARIAN VISITED DR.
MALAYSIA, BRIGADIER JENERAL ABDUL KUZNETSOV VISITED DR. LIM SWEE AUN,
THALIP GELAR DEPATI SANTIO BAWO VISITED LIM SWEE AUN AT THE MINISTER OF
THE MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY KUALA LUMPUR COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OFFICE, KUALA
DR LIM SWEE AUN AT THE FEDERAL BULDING,
ACCESSION NO: LUMPUR
KUALA LUMPUR 2001/0036882W
ACCESSION NO:
ACCESSION NO: 2001/0035519W
2001/0036948W

38

REPRESENTATIVE IN SINGAPORE TOUR..

Lim Swee Aun was also involved in several interloping activities in Singapore while the state was still in Malaysia. Based on
the information obtained, there have been several occasions in which Lim Swee Aun has supervised. One of them was when he
visited the Scale Model of Jurong Industrial Estate while holding the position of Minister of Commerce and Industry together
with the Minister of Finance, Dr Goh Keng Swee. The industrial town in Jurong was planned in 1960 and finished its
construction in the year of 1965. The same year as the year of the establishment of the Malaysia Agreement where Singapore
was expelled from the country. However, the industrial town of Jurong was reported then to be established with a total of 24
different factories in it. In addition, Lim Swee Aun was also with his wife Mrs. Quek Eng Lan pay a visit while being in there
to Singapore Cement Manufacturing LTD on the 11th of June 1965. The factory functions in providing various types of cement
obtained from reliable vendors of the industry who manufacture cement materials in accordance with international industry
standards. Another occasion information that was kept as the evidence of Lim Swee Aun’s involvement with the neighbouring
country, Singapore was during his visit with the Minister of Finance, Dr Goh Keng Swee to the Ford Factory or also known as
Old Ford Motor Factory located in Bukit Timah in the year of 1964. The factory was placed where British forces surrendered to
Japanese on 1942 after the battle of Singapore. The Old Ford Motor Factory was then formerly recognized as the National
Monument in 2006 and later transformed into an exhibition museum and archive known as Memories at Old Ford Factory.

39



This chapter covers the life cycle of Tan Sri Lim Swee Aun’s careers and his involvement in the political worlds before
he passed away. Tan Sri Lim Swee Aun which was married to Puan Sri Quek Eng Lan died at the age of 61 years old
on 13 August 1977. Tan Sri who was on a trip with his beloved wife travelling around the world at that time passed
away due to heart attack in London. Leaving his family members which consist of his wife, two daughters and two
sons. He who was known as a doctor and a politician also leaves his home in Taiping, Perak forever.This admirable
man began his journey in the medical field. To be precise, Lim Swee Aun started his career by completing his
housemanship in Singapore General Hospital. Only then in the year of 1939 he was posted to another health institution
at the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium before being transferred again to Ipoh General Hospital and then moved to Taiping,
Perak, in 1940.
To conclude the retirement of Tan Sri Lim Swee Aun, he once held the position of Vice-President of the Malaysian
Chinese Association from 1959 until the year of 1962. Then held the position of the Minister of Health for only 3
months in 1962 before he was then appointed as Malaysian Minister of Commerce and Industry for 7 years from 1962
until 1969 as he left the cabinet after being defeated by Gerakan's Ng Hoe Hun, in the Larut Matang Parliamentary.
Nevertheless, all of Tan Sri Lim Swee Aun’s contributions to the country be it in the medical, education, economic and
politic fields will always be remembered by the people of Malaysian. Moreover, as the founder of Malaysian Chinese
Association, he has fought a lot for the rights of Chinese people.

41

Before Tan Sri Lim Swee Aun died he plays the role as a leader in higher-level education which led to the establishment of
the Malaysian Chinese Association or also known as MCA. Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR College).
Specifically, he was the founder of the association in Taiping. Lim The suggestions and plans regarding the college were then
Swee Aun won the seat of Larut Matang’ Parliament in the year of received enough support from the Minister of Education at
1962 and was appointed as a member of the parliament. Tan Sri was that time, Mohamed Khir Johari and the required amount of
one of the most standout supporters of the party's college, which was RM 20 million to establish the college was provided by the
established in 1968. The college that was founded by the party was government. The college was named after Malaysia’s first
named Tengku Abdul Rahman College when it first built. As today, Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Tunku Abdul
the intititution has been recognized with a new name of Tunku Abdul Rahman University College then began operating on 24
Rahman University College. Tunku Abdul Rahman University February 1969 with its School of Pre-University Studies and
College officially started operating in the year of 1969. The college an early registration of 764 undergraduates.

which was established by the association was suggested by FIGURE 31:
TUNKU ABDUL
Malaysian Chinese Association’s president Tun Tan Siew Sin in the RAHMAN UNIVERSITY

same year of 1968. The reason the college was built is because they COLLEGE
(TAR COLLEGE)
believe in the early years of Malaysian independence, not many
ACCESSION NO:
people were given chance to pursue a 2001/0054442W

42



COMMENDATION GRAND CROSS OF
CERTIFICATE THE ORDER OF
LEOPARD II IN
FROM THE BRITISH 1967
GOVERNEMNT
AFTER WAR IN In addition, Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun was also awarded the Grand Cross of the
1945 Order of Leopold II in 1967. This award was given by the Belgian embassy to Tan
Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun in honor of the Belgian Trade. Furthermore, Dr Lim Swee Aun
During Tan Sri Dr Lim Swee Aun's lifetime, he also received several other awards in Malaysia such as the Malaysian
received many awards for the actions he took Commemorative Medal (GOLD) (PPM) in 1965. The next award was Commander of
either for his own country or for solving problems the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PMN) in 1968. This award is limited to 75
and achievements. As we all know, Tan Sri Dr Lim living recipients at any time, excluding foreign citizens who are conferred honorary
Swee Aun is a great and committed person in awards. The recipient of this award receives the title Tan Sri and the recipient's wife
carrying out his duties. However, Tan Sri Dr Lim takes the title of Puan Sri. Both of these awards were given to him on deck for his
Swee Aun also received an award from the British contribution to Malaysia. The award is also available in the form of a
Government, the Commendation Certificate given medalelegation.
by the British Government after the war in 1945.
This award was given for all his efforts and
determination in sharing information about the
enemy via secret radio during the war.

Malaysia's orders, decorations, and medals are part of a complicated system in which Malaysians and eligible
foreigners are recognised by the nation's sovereign for acts or deeds that benefit their community or the country as a
whole. Malaysian orders, decorations, and medals were created following the country's establishment, and were
modelled after their British counterparts. During the Federation of Malaya, the honour system was established. The
British honour system was used throughout British colonial era to bestow honours. On July 31, 1880, Johor became
the first state to establish its own honours system. The other Malay states followed suit.

The king is considered as the source of all honours since he is the only person who has the authority to create new
national honours and functions as the Sovereign of all Malaysian orders; he will perform inductions and give medals.
In Malaysia, the monarch is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who also performs investitures and distributes prizes in the
name of the sovereign. As a result, the Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division in Putrajaya,
which is part of the Prime Minister's Department, is in charge of administering the honours system. The Yang di-
Pertuan Agong establishes the order of precedence for the wearing of insignia, decorations, and medals through the
Office of the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal and the Conference of Rulers.



CONCLUSION

From completing this finding aids project, all of our group members have learned and
experienced using the finding essential resources tools of National Archives of Malaysia.
Therefore, in this assignment we managed to obtained as much information about Tan Sri Lim
Swee Aun from his early life story, his education background, contributions to the country, his
political career journey, his life during the war, the awards he had received and his retirement
after all of his hard work throughout his life. Tan Sri Lim Swee Aun himself is an inspiring
politician with his own unique story. With the materials provided in the online finding aids, we
have presented to you his life story concisely. In conclusion, this assignment has helped us
enhance our skills in archival studies.

47

LIST OF FIGURES

FILE

NO FIGURE DESCRIPTION PAGE

1 Figure 1 It is a photograph of Dr Lim Swee Aun from 1964. 1

2 Figure 2 It is a photograph of Dr Lim Swee Aun from 1964. 7

3 Figure 3 A newspaper excerpt from the MALAYA TRIBUNE on 13 October 1934, indicating that the 10

Medical College rugby team would play their first rugby match of the season against the H.M.S.,

with Lim Swee Aun among the players involved.

4 Figure 4 Newspaper excerpt from The Straits Time on July 17, 1938. The contents of the newspaper 10

excerpt are related to the Medical College Graduate list

5 Figure 5 Newspaper excerpt from Malaya Tribune on 8th April 1939 about Lim Swee Aun from Medical 10
College has joined to work at Hospital Ipoh.

6 Figure 6 Newspaper excerpt from Malaya Tribune on 21st October 1936 about rugby team of Medical 11
College will meet St. Andrews 1st xv in rugby match. Lim Swee Aun is one of the player involve
in the match.

7 Figure 7 Newspaper excerpt from Morning Tribune on 27th November 1936 about rugby team of Medical 11
College will meet N.S. in rugby match. Lim Swee Aun is one of the player involve in the match.

LIST OF FIGURES

FILE

NO FIGURE DESCRIPTION PAGE

8 Figure 8 The Minister Of Health, Dr. Lim Swee Aun With Representatives Delegates From 15
9 Government Hospitals In The Federation; 29.09.2001.

10 Figure 9 Minister of trade and enterprises, Dr. Lim Swee Aun hold a press conference at the public 15
11 investigation room of the tax advisory board in Kuala Lumpur where he announced three
12 important and related government measures towards unifying the Malaysian-Regional-
13 Economy.

Figure 10 Russia, Mr V.B. Spandarian Visits Office Of The Minister Of Trade And Enterprises, 16
Kuala Lumpur; 21.03.1967.

Figure 11 Minister Of Trade And Enterprises, Dr. Lim Swee Aun, Visit By Alfro-Asia Trade Union 16

Representatives, Parliament Building, Kuala Lumpur.

Figure 12 Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Lim Swee Aun; January 20, 1967. 18

Figure 13 Swedish Motor Assemblies, Dr. Lim Swee Aun officiating the opening of Malaysia's first 19

car assembly plant, Klang; 17.2.1968.

LIST OF FIGURES

FILE

NO FIGURE DESCRIPTION PAGE

14 Figure 14 Newspaper excerpt from Morning Tribune on 27th November 1936 about rugby team of 21

15 Medical College will meet N.S. in rugby match. Lim Swee Aun is one of the player
16
17 involve in the match.

Figure 15 The Minister Of Health, Dr. Lim Swee Aun With Representatives Delegates from 21

Government Hospitals In The Federation; 29.09.2001.

Figure 16 Kenya, members of parliament. Visit to malaysia. Visit to the ministry of commerce and 21
industry, Dr. Lim Swee Aun, Kuala Lumpur; 11.12.1965

Figure 17 Ninth Commonwealth Parliamentary conference, inauguration ceremony. Dr. Lim Swee 21
Aun, minister of commerce and industry, presenting the vice-president of the council, Mr.
D.B. Sangster to the yang di-Pertuan Agong, Kuala Lumpur

18 Figure 18 Sultan of Selangor officiates opening Federal Wheat Factory in Port Swettenham. 23

19 Figure 19 Discussions between the Belgian Foreign Trade Minister and Tan Sri Dr. Lim Swee Aun 24
in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.