Family of late Haris Ibrahim gives excess RM150k donation to Hospis Malaysia

 

Last month, the family of late activist Haris Ibrahim handed over the balance of funds raised for his treatment to Hospis Malaysia.

According to Haris’ brother Adam, the family of Haris handed over a cheque for RM150,038.13  to the charitable organisation.

“Haris benefitted significantly from Hospis Malaysia’s palliative care service at home and had specifically asked that this balance be donated to the charitable organisation to fund the work they do in palliative care so that more people can benefit from its service,” said Adam.

He told Malaysiakini that the donations received from the public were paid directly into Haris’ bank account and he had subsequently transferred the sums received to Adam in stages, as he was concerned that his condition might deteriorate to the point where he would not be able to manage the monies.

“I do know that Haris was very touched that a substantial number of the donations were relatively small amounts, indicating to him that the support and concern for him was widespread and largely from the ordinary members of the rakyat, whom he felt closest to and had a special affinity for.

“The total sum of donations received amounted to approximately RM520,000, and from that about RM370,000 was utilised for his medical treatment, including alternative treatment that he tried out, purchase of necessary medical equipment, and the hiring of caregivers over a period of approximately 16 months,” said Adam.

He said that Haris was absolutely scrupulous in ensuring that the donations received were not at all to be utilised for his own personal expenses and that it was his wish that whatever balance, if any, remained of the public funds received was to be donated to Hospis Malaysia 

“Hospis was extremely helpful, not just to Haris but also to Haris’ family members, in the treatment, medicines, advice, and support that they extended. 

“They were absolutely professional and competent in the manner they went about their work and no amount of praise for them is undeserved.

“Hopefully the government and public will be able to do more to support Hospis in their efforts to provide professional palliative care to the public without charge,” said Adam.

Hospis Malaysia is a charitable organisation providing professional community palliative care to those with life-limiting illnesses (such as cancer, AIDS, organ failure, or progressive neurological conditions). Services and facilities by Hospis Malaysia are offered free of charge.

Haris passed away on Aug 5 at 63 years old after a battle with lung cancer. He was noted as a blogger, activist, and founder of Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, a multiracial movement promoting equality.

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. - Mkini