PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has penned a tribute to the late Syed Husin Ali, recalling his fighting spirit and endeavour for the discriminated and the poor.
Syed Husin, a former Universiti Malaya associate professor, was later a co-founder of PKR.
Anwar said Syed Husin would give lectures and speeches brimming with wisdom while urging his pupils to be critical, question the status quo, and yearn for a just and equitable society.
He said the former PKR deputy president put his life into fighting for the poor, destitute and oppressed, including farmers and labourers in the 1960s.
“He stood firmly at the forefront in supporting the struggle of these communities, from farmers in Baling, Kedah, to students fighting for the people’s interests.
“The legacy left behind by this man is not minor, but it extends into academia. As a major figure in the field of social sciences, an author, and a thinker, he has left behind a trove of extensive knowledge,” the PKR president said in a Facebook post.
Anwar said Syed Husin’s involvement in progressive politics, from leading Parti Rakyat Malaysia to co-founding PKR, further strengthened his belief in justice and building a better Malaysia.
“I offer my highest gratitude to Pak Syed for being an extraordinary teacher, mentor and friend. HIs fighting spirit will live on and inspire many hearts, and his great legacy will continue to guide the direction and future of Malaysia.”
Syed Husin died this morning at the age of 87. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April.
He became PKR deputy president following the merger of Parti Rakyat Malaysia and Parti Keadilan Nasional in 2003.
He had been detained under the now-repealed Internal Security Act 1974 for six years following his involvement in protests by farmers in Baling and students in Kuala Lumpur.
His remains were laid to rest this morning at the Section 9 Muslim cemetery in Kota Damansara. - FMT
