IT was 1988. Law students were holding an event – a law seminar. Or was it a law symposium?

The guest of honour, who was also to deliver a keynote address, was the lord president, Salleh Abas. Having been received by the members of the welcoming committee, he was led into the hall where the event was to take place.

Law students were standing and lining the pathway into the hall. They were putting on badges in support of the Supreme Court judges, including Salleh, who had been suspended.

Salleh might not have addressed the law students – future lawyers, legal and judicial officers, and judges – on that day.

Yet, in a way, he had taught the law student to stand up for justice.

To Allah we surely belong and to Him we shall return.

May Allah grant Salleh Abas Jannatul-Firdaus and forgive his sins. And may He make his grave a place of comfort and light. – January 16, 2021.

* Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.