Earlier today, both of us received the news that Hussein Hamid had passed away at the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital. Last week, Hussein collapsed inside a mall after suffering a stroke, which left him in a coma. He passed away peacefully without regaining consciousness.
Hussein was controversial but consistent. He exposed issues that no one else was willing to touch and challenged many of Malaysia’s top elite. We were lucky enough to regularly talk with him, and understand the changes in stand he took - in the past and lately.
This resulted in Hussein being able to return to Malaysia after years in exile. We take some solace that he died in his own country. Hussein never took Australian citizenship, even though he was eligible.
Both of us had different but at the same time similar relationships with Hussein. I (Murray) spoke regularly to Hussein and we shared perspectives on issues, often jointly deciding on the approach that should be taken. I know from these discussions, Hussien had a strong moral compass, that always asked the question ‘will the Rakyat knowing this be for the betterment of Malaysia?’ We shared links and documents, and even gave each other contacts, that many in Malaysia will know.
Most of all, we spiritually supported each other. There were times when Hussein felt depressed about issues in Malaysia and I picked him up. This was reciprocated with the issues I have personally faced over the last couple of years.
I (Teck Ghee) had a relationship that was much more upfront and personal. Hussein spent most of his last weeks staying with me in my apartment and we discussed a number of issues regarding his life direction as well as did work together on plans that we intended to pursue to advance the causes that we believed in. Hussein was a fellow activist blogger that I featured in my CPI website from a long time ago. His recent work has also refocused my thinking and influenced the last batch of articles that I have written when he was staying at my home.
As we mourn the passing of our dear friend, Hussein we remember and cherish our time with him, indelibly etched in our hearts and minds.
This piece is written not solely to lament the loss of Hussein. It is also to pay tribute to someone who was a true comrade sharing a mutual journey in trying to make Malaysia a better place.
For Malayia and Malaysians, Hussein’s voice will be sadly missed.
Hussein was fiercely independent, free thinking, and unafraid. He wrote perhaps some of the most biting and critical commentaries on the country, our people and foes and friends that has emerged from the social media world of bloggers.
Simplicity, grace and a certain child-like quality of innocence combined with refined knowledge marked his prose. Few if any of the nation's community of political and social bloggers come close to his consistency and steadfastness in support of an inclusive and progressive country.
We can remember and pay tribute to him best by reading and rereading his writing. You will see most of his writings, especially the pieces he wrote through the Melbourne nights, came from his heart.
We must all be inspired to continue his journey. By Murray Hunter & Teck Ghee.
May his legacies live on with this blog
RIP Tuan. Even though you lived few thousands mile away all this while, your heart and soul are always here to stay as you had truly voice out the righteous with fear and favour.
The uniqueness of Steadyaku47 wasn't so much of the views that it had displayed or the explosive revelations that it had made from time to time. It was unique because of two factors. The first being the fact that Hussein Hamid was an old malay. Amidst the gradual turning to far-right of the political thinking amongst the malay society, their relentless attempt to turn the country into their ideal nation with supreme dominance of one race one religion and one language, Hussein Hamid's viewpoints had been a consoling voice that decency, understandings, mutual respect and inclusiveness still existed amongst the malay brethren. Above all, there was hope that some malays would speak for other races in the country braving themselves…
It’s takdir and I guess Abang Hussein’s personal wish to breathe his last in his Tanah Air. Just for this alone, kira his soul is already blessed. His writings will go down the annals as classics with his own style of dry humour but hitting hard when and where it matters. Abang Hussein is sorely missed.
Was hoping the news of Uncle Hussein's passing was not true ..each day I look forward to this posting and his writings ..thank you Uncle Hussein for your life and your writings that has inspired many ..You will be fondly remembered ❤️. rest in peace ..