Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj’s Wife, Sharifah Rodziah Barakbah Biography: Age, Death, Parents, Siblings, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Husband, Children

Sharifah Rodziah binti Syed Alwi Barakbah was a prominent Malaysian figure best known as the third wife of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the founding father and first Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Of Hadhrami-Malay heritage, her Arab lineage traced back to ancestors who had long settled in Kedah. She was bestowed with esteemed titles such as Tun and Dato’, reflecting her distinguished status.

In recognition of her contributions and legacy, several landmarks in Malaysia bear her name, including SMK Tun Sharifah Rodziah in Kedah and the Tun Sharifah Rodziah Sea Base in Sabah.

Profile

• Full Name: Sharifah Rodziah binti Syed Alwi Barakbah
• Stage Name: Sharifah Rodziah Barakbah
• Born: 1920
• Died: 12 March 2000
• Age: 80 years old
• Birthplace: Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
• Nationality: Malaysian
• Occupation: Malaysian figure
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Syed Alwi Barakbah
• Siblings: Syed Omar Barakbah
• Spouse: Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj (m. 1939–1990)
• Children: Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman
• Relationship: Widow
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Sharifah Rodziah binti Syed Alwi Barakbah was born in 1920 in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, into a prominent family. She was the daughter of Syed Alwi Barakbah and the younger sister of Syed Omar Barakbah.

While specific records of her formal education are unavailable, her family’s standing and connections suggest she was well-educated. Of Hadhrami-Malay descent, she embodied a rich blend of Arab and Malay heritage and was a practicing Muslim.

Career

Sharifah Rodziah binti Syed Alwi Barakbah is primarily remembered for her role as the wife of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister. They married in 1939, shortly after his return from England and prior to the outbreak of World War II.

She became his third wife, following the death of his first and the dissolution of his second marriage. Although the couple had no biological children together, Sharifah Rodziah embraced the role of stepmother to Tunku‘s children and, together, they adopted three children.

While her professional background remains largely undocumented, Sharifah Rodziah was an influential figure during her husband’s political career. Throughout Tunku Abdul Rahman‘s premiership from 1957 to 1970, she provided steadfast emotional and social support, often working behind the scenes to rally public and political backing for his leadership.

Her presence was a stabilizing force during Malaysia’s critical formative years, and she was widely respected for her quiet yet impactful contributions to the nation’s early development.

In recognition of her service and stature, she was conferred the honorary titles of Dato’ in 1964 and Tun in 1970. Her legacy is commemorated through institutions named in her honor, including SMK Tun Sharifah Rodziah in Kedah and the Tun Sharifah Rodziah Sea Base in Sabah. She passed away from pneumonia on 12 March 2000 in Penang and was laid to rest beside her husband at the Kedah Royal Mausoleum.

Social Media

Sharifah Rodziah Barakbah does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Sharifah Rodziah binti Syed Alwi Barakbah was the third wife of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister. The couple married in 1939 following Tunku‘s return from England.

Though they had no biological children, Sharifah Rodziah became a devoted stepmother to Tunku‘s children from his first marriage to Meriam Chong, and together they adopted three children: Sulaiman, Mariam, and Faridah.

Sharifah Rodziah passed away on 12 March 2000 in Penang due to pneumonia.

Net Worth

Sharifah Rodziah Barakbah‘s net worth was never publicly disclosed, but as the wife of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, it is likely that her financial standing stemmed from family assets, property holdings, and her association with her husband’s prominent political position.