I have known Fan Yew Teng since the early 90s when I entered politics and became more involved in social issues.
I remember him as someone who is incredibly passionate about human rights and justice issues.
In the past, whenever we had any public forum, public protests and public demonstration for Free Burma, Free Aung San Suu Kyi and so on, if we needed a spokesperson or forum panelist, we’d look for him. Whenever the Muslim circles needed speakers for their Free Palestine events, they would also look for him because it was clear that Fan Yew Teng is an activist that stood for human rights and social justice. His concerns cut across all circles. He didn’t care about different religions or race. He was truly colour-blind in his conviction.
He also write numerous articles and books to express his views, advocating for the poor, weak and marginalised. I was very impressed with him for all the above.
When Lim Kit Siang was detained under ISA in 1969, he served as acting secretary general, helping to hold fort for DAP. He later left DAP for some 20 years due to some disagreements and also to chase his personal pursuits, but during the DAP internal party split in 1998, he was aproached by our party leadership to come back to the fold to help out and he did.
One of the reasons that encouraged him to make a come back to the party was due to the unjust sentence against Lim Guan Eng. Fan Yew Teng has been the one who openedly spoke up for Lim Guan Eng in all the Support LGE Campaign, he even jointedour Marathon hunger strike after Guan Eng was sent to Kajang Prison. This shows Fan Yew Teng has always cared for the DAP and he made his stand clear when the party was in trouble.
During the 1999 general elections, Fan was offered to contest in Tebing Tinggi state assembly seat and he lost together with many other DAP national leaders. He then returned to civil society and continued to be a vocal writer and spokesperson for human rights and social justice issues.
Fan’s heart was always in the right place. He had a lot of love and passion and always stood up for the weak, oppressed and marginalised. I will always remember him with fondness and admiration for this.
His passing is a great loss to civil society in Malaysia but he will continue to live on in our memory.
Teresa Kok
Note: Messages of condolence may be emailed to the family at [email protected]
Farewell dear Mr FAN YEW TENG!
You were truly a fierce defender of the poor and marginalised and a faithful friend and voice of the people! You were a formidable and respected opponent to the political giants of your time.
You stood firm in your convictions and strove to live them in spite of the costs and implications! You did not flinch nor feign when your foes did unto you what was most foul. You remained forthright whilst others faltered and compromised to gain favour, fame and fortune!
You held the fort of your political party when its adversaries were bent on finishing it off. Your fortitude and unwavering courage accompanied by your humility and your life of simplicity and frugality will remain an inspiration to many…forever!
You will be fondly remembered as the fiery orator who fearlessly walked the talk and proved that principled politics is possible! May you rest in peace O Valiant Warrior! You have fought the good fight!
As you take your final journey, we salute you true patriot! Your flame of justice and truth lives on! May God bless and reward you abundantly!
Martin Jalleh
(8 Dec 2010)