Malaysiakini columnist dies
Roshan JasonPublished: Oct 7, 2004 6:21 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 6:21 PM
Harun Rashid, a columnist for malaysiakini for the past four years, passed away yesterday at the age of 66, leaving behind his wife and a five-year-old son.
Harun Rashid, a columnist for malaysiakini for the past four years, passed away yesterday at the age of 66, leaving behind his wife and a five-year-old son.
His brother-in-law Mohd Yatim told malaysiakini that Harun suffered a heart attack and collapsed while on his way to the gymnasium in town at 7pm.
"Funeral services were held this afternoon in Kajang attended by 100-odd of his relatives and friends," said Yatim.
Harun, who was an American, came to Malaysia in the 80s. He later converted to Islam and in 1999 married his Malaysian wife.
In his column called 'Worldview', Harun analysed Malaysian affairs from a global perspective.
His latest article published in malaysiakini was last Thursday's 'Central Intelligence Agency is an oxymoron'. It critically examined the integrity and credibility of the agency's spy network.
Harun considered himself a scientist who was avidly interested in the application of Islamic principles in international affairs. His writing was motivated by the need to promote goodwill through civilisational dialogue.
A prolific writer, his previous articles included articles on the reformasi movement, abuse of police powers and a critical look into corporate affairs.
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One man whom he frequently had discussion with was fellow malaysiakini columnist and veteran journalist MGG Pillai.
"He was a very private man who spoke very little about his background but having known him for about five years, I gathered he had worked in a wide range of jobs and I found that he was a widely read man," said Pillai.
Pillai added that in their meetings and conversations, the two would debate a wide range of issues, ranging from nuclear physics to the Iraq war.
"We met quite regularly and we could speak about just anything, not trivial things but serious issues," he said, acknowledging that Harun was inquisitive in seeking knowledge.
His brother-in-law Mohd Yatim told malaysiakini that Harun suffered a heart attack and collapsed while on his way to the gymnasium in town at 7pm.
"Funeral services were held this afternoon in Kajang attended by 100-odd of his relatives and friends," said Yatim.
Harun, who was an American, came to Malaysia in the 80s. He later converted to Islam and in 1999 married his Malaysian wife.
In his column called 'Worldview', Harun analysed Malaysian affairs from a global perspective.
His latest article published in malaysiakini was last Thursday's 'Central Intelligence Agency is an oxymoron'. It critically examined the integrity and credibility of the agency's spy network.
Harun considered himself a scientist who was avidly interested in the application of Islamic principles in international affairs. His writing was motivated by the need to promote goodwill through civilisational dialogue.
A prolific writer, his previous articles included articles on the reformasi movement, abuse of police powers and a critical look into corporate affairs.
Friend
One man whom he frequently had discussion with was fellow malaysiakini columnist and veteran journalist MGG Pillai. "He was a very private man who spoke very little about his background but having known him for about five years, I gathered he had worked in a wide range of jobs and I found that he was a widely read man," said Pillai.
Pillai added that in their meetings and conversations, the two would debate a wide range of issues, ranging from nuclear physics to the Iraq war.
"We met quite regularly and we could speak about just anything, not trivial things but serious issues," he said, acknowledging that Harun was inquisitive in seeking knowledge.
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