By Din Merican

I was deeply distressed this morning to learn from Jaffar Ismail of the passing of my friend, the public intellectual Pak Kassim Ahmad.

The last time I heard from Pak Kassim was about a month ago when he sent me via email, his blog entry on the Holy Prophet Mohammad pbuh. We communicated often on matters of mutual concern. He educated me on Islam, for which I am eternally grateful.

Being of the same generation, only a few years my senior, my fellow Kedahan Pak Kassim was a man of integrity and courage, who spoke the truth. He was however, persecuted by our religious authorities for his views on Islam.

He was educated at the famous School of African and Oriental Studies, University of London, and the University of Malaya in Singapore.

He will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched by his example, generosity and compassion. It is indeed tragic that a man of such prodigious talent, intellectual verve, and deep convictions was not appreciated by our religious establishment (Jakim) and Umno politicians.

They feared his ideas and views on Islam to the extent that they did not realise that Pak Kassim was a lifelong member of Umno.

As far as I am concerned, Pak Kassim led an exemplary life of learning and deep contemplation.

My wife, Dr Kamsiah Haider and I wish to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.

Semoga Allah mencucuri rahmat atas roh Allahyarham Pak Kassim Ahmad. Al-Fatihah.

Din Merican is a Malaysian blogger.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.