6,29am, Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Passing of Umar Tan, Reformist Extraordinaire

Was reading up the very moving obituaries about Umar Tan, an extraordinary man who gave his life to the Reformasi Movement. He really touched the lives of many and I was privileged to have known him even if only for a brief moment. I was in Penang for the PKR Congress recently and I was introduced to a solid looking man and his name was Omar Tan. I was curious and he told me, was it he himself or someone else nearby, that he had made a vow that if Anwar was released from prison he would convert to Islam! And he really lived up to his pledge when Anwar was released! That captured my imagination and I had fixed forever in my mind a vision of a very balding man with a very toothy smile. And a heart of pure gold. I only now know how a great man he was. And his very premature calling back to be with his Maker came as a shock to me and to many who have known him and loved him. Please see the very moving piece on him by Eli or Elizabeth Wong, the avant gard reformist who is an assistant of Kak Wan (President of PKR).

In Memory of a Fallen One

I met him but once and I was touched by him
His was the hand that would lift a fellow stumbling soul
and gently urged, “Go on, Man ”
His was the one that was always around, giving a helping hand
The one carrying the bottles of drinks for others, no job too small,
making sure everyone was all right, who took care of all
and was totally selfless, and totally unstoppable.

His was the life lived that made all our lives extraordinary
His was the life that upon his death the most battle hardened and stoic
would stop and weep, for a life, that was truly heroic

Alas his was the life that was just too short
but in living he has in his many ways added to all
and made it all that more wonderful and worthy
Alas his was the life that glowed just too briefly
and in dying… blinded us too brilliantly

A simple man who sought no glory or fame
but in passing towered above all
An ordinary man that wanted no recognition, or name
but in living came to exemplify the struggle

Reformasi was the cause that he lived and gave his life for
And Reformasi has now its first fallen hero
The ever struggling, undaunted warrior, forever uncowed

And he is Umar Tan Soi Kow

Or simply Ah Tan

Reformist, Activist, Former Political Prisoner, Teacher, Friend, Brother,

Comrade, And now the Fallen One

Let not his life be in vain
Let us carry on what he has given his life for
Let us forge ahead with even greater stride
Let us strive resolutely and with the greatest of might

There is no greater tribute that we can pay to him
Other than to continue until his and now our collective dream
Has become a reality.
When Malaysia is reformed, truly, finally.

(By: Dominique Ng of Sarawak)

Stay strong and keep on moving!

God bless.