PKR founding member Syed Husin Ali dies, aged 87

Syed Husin Ali became PKR deputy president following the merger of Parti Rakyat Malaysia, which he led, and Parti Keadilan Nasional in 2003.

PETALING JAYA: Syed Husin Ali, a founding member of PKR, died early this morning, party information chief Fahmi Fadzil said. He was 87.

His son, Ali Syed Hussein, told FMT three days ago Syed Husin was unconscious and warded at Selayang Hospital.

“I have just received the sad news that Syed Husin Ali, the deputy chairman of the PKR advisory council, passed away this morning,” Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, said on Facebook.

Syed Husin became PKR deputy president following the merger of Parti Rakyat Malaysia, of which he was president, and Parti Keadilan Nasional in 2003.

In December 1974, Syed Husin, who was then a Universiti Malaya associate professor, was detained under the now-repealed Internal Security Act for six years following protests by farmers in Baling and students in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Fahmi, Syed Husin had contributed much to the party and the people through the publication of many books, including Two Faces: Unspoken Detention, which recounts his experience of being detained under the ISA, and History and Basis of the Struggle for Justice.

“He was very much involved in elections and the politics of the country. I myself once helped his campaign in the 2004 general election when he contested in PJ Selatan.

“His views were respected in the party and were often referred to by the party leaders. He was patient, gentle, firm in discipline, and gave a lot of advice, including to myself,” he said.