Thursday, February 15, 2024

SteadyAku47 who was unafraid to tell truth to power passed away








Veteran blogger who was unafraid to tell truth to power dies



Martin Vengadesan
Published: Feb 15, 2024 12:28 PM


Popular veteran blogger Hussein Abdul Hamid, better known by his user handle @SteadyAku47, passed away early this morning.

"Our beloved Hussein Abdul Hamid ‘telah kembali ke rahmatullah’ (passed away) this morning, Thursday 5th Shaaban 1445/Feb 15 2024, at 4.41am," said a post on his Facebook.

He was 76 years of age.

Hussein was reported to have collapsed inside a mall in Kuala Lumpur after suffering a stroke last week and was in a coma at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reportedly visited Hussein - who was his former classmate and a staunch supporter.

Former Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Ronnie Liu attended the funeral prayers today and told Malaysiakini that Hussein had played a prominent role at a time when much of the media was under tight government control.

"He has been consistently telling the administrations and authorities where they have gone wrong without fear and favour.

"His information was genuine and observations were sharp.

"That was very important for unsuspecting Malaysians who have the right to know the truth," said Liu.

‘Fiercely independent’

Paying tribute to Hussein, political analyst Lim Teck Ghee said the former was not only a special friend but also an indomitable fighter for a better Malaysia - whose voice will be missed.

“He was fiercely independent, free-thinking and unafraid.

“Hussein wrote perhaps, some of the most biting and critical commentaries on the country, our people and foes and friends that have emerged from the world of political bloggers,” he said.

Lim added - “Few if any of the nation's community of political bloggers come close to him in his steadfastness and dedication to an inclusive and progressive Malaysia.

“Reading and rereading his writing is the best way to remember and pay tribute to SteadyAku.”

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