Prince Abdullah ibni Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan

Tan Sri Tunku Abdullah ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman (2 May 1925 – 20 August 2008) was a notable Malaysian businessman and a founder of the Melewar Group Berhad of companies.

Early life Tunku Abdullah was born on 2 May 1925 at Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. His father was Tuanku Abdul Rahman (1895–1960), the Ruler of Negeri Sembilan state (1933–1960) and later appointed at the first King of Malaya (1957–1960). His mother was Che Engku Maimuna née Dulcibella (Dulcie) Campbell, a nurse at the Government Hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Tunku Abdullah was appointed to the state royal-rank of Tunku Panglima Besar in 1963. He was fondly known as "Charlie", as he was a fan of pianist Charlie Kunz. Kokusai Gaku Yukai, Tokyo (Jun - Dec 1943)

Public Service career Civil Service Tunku Abdullah joined the civil service in many capacities: As Malay Officer to Kuala Lumpur Land & District Office (1955); as Assistant District Officer II in Kuala Selangor (1956); as Deputy Superintendent of Census (1956) for the Federal Secretariat; as Assistant State Secretary (1958) in Kuantan, later as District Officer (1960); as District Officer to Ulu Selangor (1961); as Assistant Secretary (1962) to Ministry of Works, Post and Telecommunications; leaving in 1963. the Melewar companies mentioned are; Binaan Nasional S/B [1963, construction], Duncan, Gilbey & Matheson [1964, drink industry], Pacific World Travel [1964, travel & tours], Mitra Malaysia [1970, travel agency], Melewar Trading [1974, defence equipment], Pacific Asia Leasing [1974, finance lease & hire purchase], Melewar Clarkson [1975, insurance brokers], Melewar Transport [1975, transport & logistics], M&C Saatchi Malaysia S/B [1976, advertising], Melewar Corporation [1981, investment company], Kompusat [1982, computer retail], Accent Technology [1982, computer assembly], Nishio Lease [1982, equipment leasing], Daniel J Edelman [1984, public relations], Vita Tenggara Fruits Industries [1984, fruit farm], Central Market S/B [1985, shopping centre], Great Value Holidays S/B [1985, travel & tours], Malaysian Assurance Alliance {MAA Group} [1985, insurance], Trace Management Services S/B [1985, company secretarial], Academia S/B [1987, education] -&- Prai Malaysia Wood & Rattan Industries [1987, wood manufacture]. Non-Melewar companies of mention are; MBf Finance Berhad [1968, financial services] -&- Granite Industries Berhad [1987, mining & manufacture]: as well as others : Central Market Japan Co., Ltd.

Beyond 1988, other Melewar companies and foundations include: MasterConsult, MetroVision, Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Melewar Industrial Group, Mycron Steel, Budimas Charitable Foundation, as well as MAA Medicare Charitable Foundation. Tunku Abdullah also served as Chairman to several companies which include: MBf Holdings, Malayan Cement Berhad, Aokam Tin Berhad, Georgetown Holdings Berhad, Taisho Marine & Fire Insurance (M) S/B, MBf Capital Berhad, PWE Industries Berhad, Nusantara Steel S/B, Toshiba Electronics Malaysia S/B, Gentali Malaysia S/B.

Tunku Abdullah's involvement with the MBf Group was due to his close friendship with Tan Sri Loy Hean Heong.

MasterConsult marketed defence equipment to the government and was sales agent for companies like Rosoboronexport, McDonnell Douglas, ASMAR, Dassault Aviation, Aermacchi, Engesa and Dornier Flugzeugwerke.

Tunku Abdullah was particularly well known for the successful urban re-development of Central Market, Kuala Lumpur, preserving the heritage building {which had been earmarked for demolition}. Other heritage buildings refurbished include Wisma Melewar {now, Wisma Ekran}. He is also known for the development of Royal Langkawi Yacht Club

Honours