PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim described Syed Husin as a visionary leader who always strived for the country’s best interests.
“He was the conscience of PKR and devoted everything to the party,” Hassan told FMT.
“The nation has lost a patriotic and principled politician with profound expertise in sociology and anthropology.”
Former PKR Youth leader Ezam Nor said he had learned about Syed Husin through his writings even before meeting him personally.
“He was a true reformist with a big heart, always willing to set aside differences to champion reforms,” said Ezam.
Tian Chua, a former PKR vice-president and Batu MP, described Syed Husin as a person who was “very committed to issues related to social justice, anti-imperialism and progressive nationalism”.
“He combined both theory and practice, being both an intellectual/academic and a political activist. Although he never held any political power, his influence shaped the Malaysian political landscape,” he said.
Educationist and former Petaling Jaya MP Kua Kia Soong said Syed Husin’s reputation long preceded him.
“When we were student activists in the UK in the 1970s, his incarceration together with other dissidents under the insidious Internal Security Act was an inspiration for our campaigns to seek their release,” Kua said in a statement.
He also vouched for Syed Husin’s qualities as a people-centred socialist thinker and a sincere gentleman.
“Our country has certainly lost a rare, principled and socialist wakil rakyat. All of us who have known Syed Husin through the years will always remember his sense of humour and infectious smile,” he said.
PAS also extended its condolences to Syed Husin’s family.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that he was an outstanding role model and a patriot who consistently prioritised the interests of the people and the nation above all else.
“May his family find strength and patience in this trying time,” PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said in a statement.
Syed Husin became PKR deputy president following the merger of Parti Rakyat Malaysia, of which he was president, and Parti Keadilan Nasional in 2003.