From P Ramasamy

My friend of many years, David Bala passed away yesterday on Aug 31, 2021. I was informed by his wife yesterday of this tragic news.

Bala was a close aide of the former DAP leader and trade unionist, V David. In fact, people started calling him “David” because of his close association with his former mentor.

Bala was a well-known figure in the country. Although he had many friends of different political persuasion, his heart was with the opposition in general and Pakatan Harapan in particular.

Bala was a man of great independence and integrity. He did not mince his words when it came to the defence of the opposition.

I had a brief conversation with him a day before his death. He had not been feeling well for some time.

Bala’s death is a great loss for those who want a fair and just government in the country.

He was a great supporter of Anwar Ibrahim and Lim Kit Siang.

I will surely miss Bala. In fact, I suggested to him before his death that a book about his political and trade union experiences must be written.

But Bala is gone. I will sorely miss his friendship and the great camaraderie we shared.

His loss is an irreplaceable one. My deepest condolences to his wife and two children.

P Ramasamy is a Penang deputy chief minister.

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