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Ex-Bersih acting chair Shahrul dies, legacy of courage lives on
Former acting Bersih chairperson Shahrul Aman Saari passed away this morning at the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya at the age of 50.
Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram) assistant secretary-general Khubaib Azhari shared the news.
Summary
Shahrul Aman Saari passed away this morning at the National Cancer Institute at the age of 50.
UPDATED 10.35AM | Former Bersih leader Mandeep Singh pens a tribute in honour of Shahrul’s courage to fight for a better Malaysia.
Former acting Bersih chairperson Shahrul Aman Saari passed away this morning at the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya at the age of 50.
In a social media post, Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram) announced that funeral prayers for Shahrul, who also served as the organisation’s secretary-general, will be held at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Mosque in Serdang after Zohor prayers.
The father of five will then be laid to rest at the adjacent cemetery.
Shahrul served as Bersih’s acting chairperson from March to October 2018, following the departure of Maria Chin Abdullah, who left the role to contest in the 14th general election.
He also previously served as secretary to former education minister Maszlee Malik.
‘Calm, composed’ activist
In a Facebook post later, former Bersih leader Mandeep Singh said he first met Shahrul in 2016 when he joined the Bersih steering committee.
“Shahrul was always calm, composed, and grounded - a steady hand in turbulent times. While some of us were more aggressive in the movement, Shahrul played the vital role of balancer in the steering committee.
“Soft-spoken yet firm, his quiet strength left a lasting impact on everyone around him,” he added.
Mandeep said throughout the years, many in Bersih had paid a price for fighting for a better Malaysia - some were jailed, others charged in court.
“For Shahrul, the price was immediate. He was dismissed from his high-paying job without warning - ordered out of his office within hours.
“Yet, being the man he was, Shahrul never once complained. He soldiered on, dedicating himself fully to the people and the movement,” he added.
Mandeep recalled that when he and Maria were arrested on the eve of the Bersih 5 rally in 2016, Shahrul stepped up without hesitation and led tens of thousands of Malaysians.
“When Maria was later detained for 11 days, it was again Shahrul who filled the leadership vacuum. In those dark and uncertain days, his presence was critical in holding Bersih together.
“Shahrul, thank you for everything you have done to make Malaysia a better place. Your courage, your kindness, your unwavering spirit will stay with us forever,” he added.
Meanwhile, former education minister Maszlee Malik said Shahrul was a spirited activist who embraced diverse and cosmopolitan views without diluting the identity of his struggle.
“This is shown by his involvement in many groups and civil societies that make up Ikram.
“I also owe him a debt of gratitude for his contributions as my press secretary when I was the education minister,” he told Malaysiakini.
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