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Lost his job within 24 hours, ex-Bersih chair recalls Shahrul's sacrifice
Former Bersih acting chairperson Shahrul Aman Saari’s unwavering dedication to the cause came at a profound personal cost.
"Shahrul indeed sacrificed a lot by joining Bersih. He lost his job within 24 hours - no compassion from his heartless employers," said Maria Chin Abdullah.
The former Bersih chairperson paid tribute to Shahrul...
Summary
Maria Chin Abdullah pays tribute to former Bersih acting chairperson Shahrul Aman Saari, who just passed away.
Maria recalls Shahrul’s sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the cause.
Former Bersih acting chairperson Shahrul Aman Saari’s unwavering dedication to the cause came at a profound personal cost.
"Shahrul indeed sacrificed a lot by joining Bersih. He lost his job within 24 hours - no compassion from his heartless employers," said Maria Chin Abdullah.
The former Bersih chairperson paid tribute to Shahrul (above) in a heartfelt Facebook post, following his passing yesterday at the age of 50 at the National Cancer Institute in Kuala Lumpur.
Maria described the father of five as "humble, clear and yet strong in his beliefs".
"He was the rock that we leaned on in Bersih, especially when we were attacked by the then BN government and when most of us got arrested," she recalled.
On the eve of the Bersih 5 rally in 2016, Maria and the electoral watchdog’s secretariat secretary, Mandeep Singh, were arrested, thrusting Shahrul into the leadership role.
He stepped up as acting chairperson during Maria’s detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
Always diplomatic
Highlighting the harsh reprisals faced by those associated with the movement, Maria said Shahrul remained outwardly composed despite the immense pressures.
"Shahrul was definitely affected, but he seldom showed his true feelings. He was always diplomatic, measured, and when he spoke - he made heads turn.
"It was only on some occasions when he really felt compelled to tell it all. We ended up comforting each other as we shared the same frustration.
"Shahrul, as a leader, as a friend, as a comrade and as a father, will be dearly missed," she added.
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"He lost his job within 24 hours - no compassion from his heartless employers" So why are his employers still given the luxury of anonymity? Indeed why are the villains, thugs, rogues and rascals hardly ever named and shamed?
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