Friends and family of late activist Haris Ibrahim gathered today to pay their tribute to a man they described as very selfless, fearless, and principled.
In the tribute live-streamed from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall today, those who knew Haris took turns speaking about their admiration for the lawyer who became an activist and shared their experiences with him.
Some knew him from his days as a practicing lawyer while others were his comrades in his activism.
Among those who spoke at the tribute were former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan, Election Commission deputy commissioner Azmi Sharom, and lawyers Siti Kassim and Ashok Kandiah, as well as his younger brother, Badri.
Azmi also delivered a speech on behalf of lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar and performed a few songs in memory of Haris.
They spoke of their memories with Haris, including how they met him and what they worked on together.
The emcee of the event revealed that the fundraising for Haris’ fight against cancer when it was first revealed collected about RM500,000.
The remaining money, about RM150,000, will be donated to a hospice per Haris’ wish.
Haris passed away on Aug 5 at 63 years old after a battle with lung cancer.
The tribute was hosted by Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, a multiracial movement promoting equality, with which Haris was closely identified.
In the last 10 years of his legal practice, up to 2010, Haris was involved in many cases that dealt with questions on freedom of religion and the jurisdiction of the civil and syariah courts.
Subsequently, he was credited as the founder of the Asalkan Bukan Umno movement that shaped the discourse on the need for a “third force” in Malaysian politics.
Haris left behind a 28-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter. - Mkini
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