Career of Malik
From a Special Corr. NEW DELHI, SEPT 2 In appointing Dr. Abdul Motlab Mlik as Governor of East Pakistan as to replace the tough General Tikka Khan, President Yahya Khan has yielded to international pressure including that if the United States.
Dr. Malik, however, is not expected to change the reality of military power in East Pakistan. Lieut-Gen. Niazi Tikka Khan’s aide in the repression of Bangladesh, remains Deputy Governor.
Dr. Malik and East Bengali is not considered a strong personality and has a reputation as “a man for all seasons”. He has been in nearly every Pakistan cabinet regardless of political complexion or popular support.
Aged 64, Malik has poor eyesight and other health troubles. He has the asset of a reputation for humility. But though a neutral figure he is very much part of the establishment.
As a labour leader he was a member of the governing body of the international Labour Organization. He was active in the movement to set up Pakistan, and after partition and indepedence he was made Minister for Labour. Under a succession of premiers Malik survived as Labour Minister till 1966. Then he was sent in turn to Swizerland, Austria, China and the Philippines as ambassador and to Australia as High commissioner.
In what was regarded as a rare assertion of individuality he refused President Ayub Khan’s invitation to him to join the then Cabinet, though preparations had been made for his swearing- in. In 1969 however, he said “Yes” to Yahya Khan’s offer and joined his Government as Minister for Health and Labour.
The mild-mannered Malik is considered here to have served the west wing rulers as a symbol of Bengali assent. He is s survival from prepartition politics, as are many of East Bengal’s old guards and is not credited with the stature to sway the younger generation of Bengalis,
Reference: Hindustan Standard 3.9.1971