ABDULLAH (TAN SRI) AHMAD - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/09/1961 - HFSID 310004

TAN SRI ABDULLAH AHMAD
Letter from the future controversial Malaysian journalist, serving as an intern for US Vice President Johnson
Typed Letter signed: "Abdullah Ahmad", 1 page, 7x9 Washington, D.C., 1961 August 9. On letterhead of the Office of the Vice-President to Miss Barbara Norton, Sheraton Park Hotel, Washington, D. C. In full: "The Vice President thought you might like to have this picture for your album. [Item not included.] With best wishes, Sincerely". When he signed this letter, the Harvard-educated Malaysian Abdullah Ahmad (1937-2016) was an intern in the office of Vice President Lyndon Johnson, specializing in Congressional relations. He later became a prominent Malaysian journalist, editor-in-chief of the New Straits Times, and an official in Malaysia's governing party, the United Malay National Organization (UMNO). He holds the title of Tan Sri, awarded annually by the Malaysian government for distinguished service. His critical journalism offended party leaders, however. He was placed under preventive detention for five years (1976-1981) and dismissed from his editorship in 2003, reportedly at the party's insistence. He offended a key Malaysian ally, Saudi Arabia, by denouncing its support for the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Barbara Norton, Director of Public Relations for the Sheraton-Park, had many important political friendships and connections in the nation's capital. Adhesive residue on verso, shows through. Top left corner slightly creased. Fine condition.