Remembrance: Umar Tan
Nov 2nd, 2007 by Tian
It nearly 04:00hr now. I am still awake. My memory is on my good friend Tan Soi Kow @ Umar Tan. At this hour last year (2 Nov 2007), Umar struggled for his last breath and passed away in Hospital Putrajaya.
To date, I still feel guilty he was left alone in the hospital and I missed the opportunity to visit him.
Umar would have been thrilled to see Azmin’s acquittal. He would also have enjoyed the news of Ahmad Fairuz’s downfall.
In the 4th year of Abdullah Badawi’s assuming power, his leadership is already crumbling. The state of the judiciary is in a shambles, tarnished by the Lingam scandal. Yet the PM has refused to acknowledge or reform the corrupted system. Today, only under heavy pressure from the Agong, did the PM concede to remove Ahmad Fairuz.
The PM also failed to straighten out the law enforcement units—the ACA and the police force in particular. The people have watched scandal after scandal in dismay. And are yet more amazed by the indifference of the PM. The greatest irony is that the Police Chief of the Commercial Crimes Department was charged for corruption on the anniversary of Abdullah’s premiership.
If Umar were alive, he would be jubilant tonight. We would be sitting at a teh tarik stall and chatting all night. Perhaps even joined by several other Reformist friends. We would have endless gossip and speculation over future political scenarios.
It was always a great comfort to have him by my side. In the journey of this struggle, we never feel isolated or lonely when committed activists like Umar are around.
Tonight it is exactly one year since Umar has left us. He is an irreplaceable friend. I am dedicating this peaceful night to be with his soul. I held my tears, because I know Umar would see this as a moment of joy. Soon we will pluck the sweet fruits of victory.
I closed my eyes, and saw him smiling gleefully…
January this year, family members of Umar Tan from Bukit Mertajam were invited to KL to attend a commemoration night “Malam Reformis dalam Kenangan”. Nasir Isa took them to visit Umar’s grave in Bangi. The middle is the mother of Umar.
Umar fought for integrity, honour, love of the country. He fought against bigotry, racism, Umno stupidity, Umno chicanery, Umno racism. His was a struggle against Umno lies. He died for the country. He is a patriot. Every Malaysian, chinese, indian, melayu, bidayuih, bhai will always remember this understated man who gave his all, sacrifice his personal comforts to embark on an unknown and perilous journey. Here was a man, whences comes another. Long live Keadilan, Long live Anwar.