As I write this, I ask that this post not deter anyone from stepping forward to do your part to save this beloved nation of ours.
I want to respond to a comment somewhere that the UMNO/BN efforts to instil fear amongst the rakyat was having its intended effect as even ‘Haris Ibrahim has chosen to lie low’.
This is not true.
By the time the 13th GE had come and gone, I had been in full time activism and without any income for almost 2 1/2 years, having ceased legal practise at the end of 2010, getting by on savings. This situation continued until June, 2014.
It took a heavy toll on my health, my relations with my family given the limited time I spent with them, and my personal finances.
Doctors who I have come to regard as dear friends have been attending to my health issues and continue to do so to this day.
And whilst continuing my activism, albeit with changed strategies post the 13th GE, I made efforts to spend more time with the family, especially my kids. Ask them and they will say it has not been enough. They are right. I can only pray that, in time, they may understand why I have made these difficult decisions, and to find it in themselves to forgive me.
The state of my personal finances was of greater concern because of the pending sedition charge. Towards the latter part of 2014, with the charge set for trial in February, 2015, the sense, then, was that assuming a conviction was a foregone conclusion and taking into account any appeals that would be heard, I should expect to spend Christmas in Sungai Buloh.
I was prepared to face that.
What I was not prepared to face was leaving my son, who was to start university the following year, having to turn to others for his tuition fees.
An angel, in the form of our Aunty Bersih, came to me in those difficult days and introduced me to a business. At age 55, I had to learn a new skill.
In January, 2015, I was able to register my son in university.
By June, I had overcome a difficult period of my life.
Yes, I am truly blessed.
When the sedition trial started late last year, I knew that I should not make the task that confronted the team of lawyers any more difficult by anything I might say or do in public.
That trial reached its conclusion two days ago.
Haris succumbed to the culture of fear being spread by UMNO/BN?
Not true.
A Charles
April 16, 2016
Haris, I applaud and praise you for your great at the expense of your family to ‘save’ this country being robbed by the BN/UMNO government. May god bless your for your tireless efforts. Please let us know how we can contribute to your worthy cause.
Richard Lo
April 16, 2016
Haris, thank you for your sacrifice for this nation. Never succumb to evil. Let us know how we can contribute.
HY
April 16, 2016
haris, i really feel sad, stay strong n thank you.
WONG
April 16, 2016
Haris, we own you a great favor .thank you thank you deep from our heart
WONG
April 16, 2016
Haris, we own your sacrifices for the nation.stay strong
ChuckL
April 16, 2016
Stay strong, as always. Obstacles will always be there, but the triumph over them is the greater reward.
Gail
April 16, 2016
Haris. I am crying as I am reading your article. We appreciate your sacrifice. Stay strong. It will pass, however difficult and impossible. I would like to help financially, if it does not offend you. Let me know how?
shaku
April 16, 2016
Hi Haris, so glad you wore the ABU t-shirt on the day of your conviction……bravo!!! I was wondering what I should do with mine…..now there is renewed hope in the spirit of mankind.
Many thanks for the spirit and the conviction that you hold dear that one must never give up when fighting for justice and the truth even though there may be vexations and stress.along the way.
So good Spirit, go placidly…..it is nice to have you back where you belong!
shaku
April 16, 2016
Welcome Haris….”be yourself, enjoy your achievements and your plans”
It is so nice to have you back where you belong…..BRAVO!!!
ewoon
April 17, 2016
Bro,
Many of us do appreciate your hard work and thank you in helping to right the wrongs in our beloved nation.
Please place a DONATE widget with bank name and account number on the top right-corner of your blog so your supporters can donate whatever they can afford.
Thank you, again!
Thuan Chye
April 17, 2016
Haris Ibrahim succumbing to Umno-BN and its evil machinations? I would never believe that. But I’m sad to read about what you’ve gone through, brother. And I fully understand that taking a hiatus from activism or lowering the intensity of your participation is sometimes a necessity. You have been tireless in your quest for a better Malaysia. For that, I am grateful. But do take a rest when you need it. You will be better energised to fight another day. If I can help in any way, I will be there for you. And you have my support as always. Even if I don’t show it outwardly.
Tashan
April 17, 2016
The Sedition Act mystifies even more with your sentence. We need satyagraha more than ever.
rajraman666
April 18, 2016
Take care Candleman.
rajraman.