Rustam Sani
Apr 29th, 2008 by Tian
It was a sad morning on 23 April. My phone beeped at 04:45hr and woke me up. In my sleepiness I read the sms from Dr Syed Husin Ali informing the bad news.
I could not believe the news. I wished it was just a dream, I wonder whether I should return to my sleep and hoping that to revert the reality.
Rustam was a dear friend as well as a teacher. He was introduced to me by Dr Syed Husin Ali in an NGO function in Universiti Malaya. I think it was probably 1996 or 1997. It was the eve of the new era, the whispering wind of Reformasi was already lingering in the air. Ironically he left us just after we tasted our very initial Reformasi success, or probably the eve of our final victory.
I consider myself very fortunate that my journey of Reformasi had been accompanied by my friendship with Rustam. Rustam was not only a prolific writer for the alternative press and websites, but he was also a theorist of our struggle.
For me, and many young activists, Rustam was the bridge that connects our struggle for nationhood, from the first generation to today’s generation. He inherited the dream and the tradition of his father Boestaman for a free and united nation, yet he also articulate this vision in the lingo that the new generations could identify with.
Rustam gave the concept of Bangsa Malaysia its true meaning (In fact Dr Mahathir borrowed the term from his writing). Rustam lived as a true Malaysian. And, as an intectual, his activism was conducted through writing. His sharp criticism and politic analysis had been the lighthouse that guided us towards reforms and openness.
Rustam was excited with latest political development. Ariani (his daughter) said papa was very eager to hear the “maiden speeches” of all us new MPs.
On Saturday 28 April, SIRD launched his two latest books. Despite our sadness, his friends and his family members fully realized that he would have insisted the book launch to proceed.
In the State Library of Shah Alam, Anwar launched the two Rustam’s books: Failed Nation? Concerns of a Malaysian Nationalist and Social Roots of the Malay Left
Witnessing the event of the book launch, I felt Rustam’s presence, I could almost hear his hearted laugh. He was always optimistic for the future and had a blind faith in the youth in doing things right.
I miss him…
Hallo Yb Tian Chua,
Begitu sedih sekali atas permergian seorang penulis dan tokoh reformasi yang disegani pada masa kini dan dari dahulu lagi. Darah pejuang mengalir dari datuk dan bapak arwah dan mungkin akan ke anak beliau. SEORANG PEJUANG LAGI MENINGGAL DUNIA MUNCUL SEORANG LAGI PEJUANG AKAN MUNCUL.
YB Tian Chua dan rakan2,
sila kunjungi blog saya di http://khairilazuar.wordpress.com
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It’s a sad feeling indeed to see a Malaysian Champion who has been actively promoting the good and valid cause of “Reformasi”…….something that the authority tried to suppress.
Let’s raised the “Reformasi” spirit to a new level !!!!
Dear Tian,
Just wanted to express my family’s thanks and gratitute to you and the rest in the party for the support we have received. We are still trying to cope with the loss - a great loss to us and the nation. But I am sure he would want us all to continue in the pursuit of true justice and work towards fulfilling the nationhood ideals of creating a Bangsa Malaysia.
Rest assured that Rini and I would try our best to continue Papa’s legacy in whatever way we can.
Azrani