LAWYER and social activist Haris Ibrahim died at noon today at his brother’s home in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

Haris, who founded the Anything But Umno/BN (Abu) movement and ran the prolific blog “The People’s Parliament”, was 64.

It was reported that Haris had moved into his brother Adam’s home soon after he was diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer.

“He took in a few breaths and faded away,” Haris’ sister-in-law Firoza Burhan said.

She said Haris had woken up feeling very tired in the morning, several hours before his death.

Haris had long accepted he was terminally ill and had a limited time to live, she said.

“He took it stoically, fought courageously and underwent all the required therapies,” Firoza added.

He was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in April last year and was given six months to live.

The last time Haris was seen in public was during the Malaysian Bar’s “Walk for Judicial Independence” in June last year, where he had arrived at the venue in a wheelchair.

He told reporters later he felt it was important for him to attend the event, adding that it was the “duty” of lawyers to march for judicial independence.

“It is important to stand up and defend the judiciary, the third pillar of democracy. That is why I am here to support my brothers and sisters,” he said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Ashok Kandiah, who had also confirmed Haris’ death, said the latter joined his law firm last year when he returned to legal practice, despite being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

Haris leaves behind a 28-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter. – August 5, 2023.