Father of M'sian Islamic banking Abdul Halim Ismail dies

The father of Malaysian Islamic banking Abdul Halim Ismail passed away at the age of 85 this morning.

The news was confirmed on Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd’s Facebook page today.

According to the bank, Halim, who was Bank Islam’s first managing director, was a visionary leader who built the foundation of Islamic finance in Malaysia.

His dedication and pioneering spirit played an important role in shaping the journey of Bank Islam and leaving a lasting impact on the development of the country’s Islamic finance industry.

“As the pioneer of Bank Islam, he not only took on the challenge of introducing a new banking system but also led us with wisdom and great vision.

“His leadership was very important in realising dreams, with countless contributions that will always be a fundamental marker of our development,” it added.

Bank Islam said his legacy was not confined within the walls of the institution but also extended to the lives of many who benefited from his efforts to fight for Islamic finance and enable the entire community to access the necessary financial solutions.

“This includes the takaful industry, Islamic trust fund management, stock broking and others,” it said.

In addition to his professional achievements, it said Halim was known for his brave nature, high integrity, and humility, and was always concerned about community service.

“He was the initiator of Sadaqa House Bank Islam, which has benefited thousands of deserving recipients.

“We express our condolences to his family and loved ones,” it said.

Born on Jan 28, 1939, in Kedah, Halim obtained his early education at the Simpang Empat Malay School. He continued his studies at the Al-Maahad Al-Mahmud (Mahmud College), Kedah.

He then transferred to the Sultan Abdul Hamid College to continue his Form Six education in 1960-1961 before pursuing his studies at the Universiti Malaya and in 1965 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.

In 1966, he went to the University of Oxford to obtain a PhD in economics, according to the Merdeka Award Trust.

The trust said Halim’s pivotal moment came in 1983 when he was appointed as the first Bank Islam managing director.

- Bernama

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