KUALA LUMPUR — Prolific human rights activist and lawyer Haris Ibrahim passed away today after a long battle with cancer.
He was 64.
Haris had asked Malaysians to submit photographs of him at numerous political rallies and events, upon discovering he had Stage 4 lung cancer last year.
In April, last year Haris revealed that he had only between three months to a year to live.
He beat expectations by four months, leaving a wife and two sons to survive him.
The lawyer is known for founding the “Asalkan bukan Umno” movement and ran the prolific blog “The People’s Parliament”.
Meanwhile former Sg Benut MP Mohamed Tawfik Ismail described Haris’ passing as a sad event further describing the activist as a man as one who awoke the consciousness of the public on ethics and good governance.
“He encouraged the growth and establishment of independent minded politicians to challenge the established parties,” Tawfik told Scoop.
Political author Lim Teck Ghee said that many from non governmental organisations (NGOs) would feel the absence of Haris, who he labeled as a true son of Malaysia.
“We can be sure that he will want the fight for a bangsa Malaysia (which is) free from the shackles of race and religion to be continued,” Lim said when contacted.
Art Toh Sdn Bhd founder Arthur Toh informed on Facebook that he and some friends were with Haris at his final moments before his passing at 12.40pm today.
Funeral prayers for Haris’ remains will be conducted at the Masjid At Taqwa, Taman Tun Dr Ismail during Asar prayers before subsequently being laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery. — August 5, 2023