Activist Haris Ibrahim passes away

Activist Haris Ibrahim passes away


Lawyer-activist Haris Ibrahim passed away at noon today after a battle with lung cancer.

He was 63.

When contacted, lawyer Ashok Kandiah confirmed that Haris had died at his home in Taman Tun Dr Ismail where he was staying with his brother, Adam.

"Yes, he passed away this afternoon. The funeral will likely be held this evening at Bukit Kiara cemetery," said Ashok.

Haris joined Ashok's law firm last year when he returned to legal practice despite being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.

At the time, Haris said he wanted to bring the message that Malaysia was intended to be a secular nation.

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.

Meanwhile, The Star quoted Haris’ sister-in-law Firoza Burhan, who said he had passed away peacefully.

“He took in a few breaths and faded away,” she was quoted as saying.

Haris left behind a 28-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter.