S.M. Mohamed Idris lives on in the lives he has changed
S.M. MOHAMED Idris stands out in the memory of most Malaysians, not merely because he was at the forefront of two leading grassroots organisations — Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) — but because he was a man of principle who never put personal interest before the environment, workers’ rights and consumer rights.
This is unusual in today’s society where politicians and activists can seemingly be bought and sold, and where campaigns often descend into a tangle of personal attacks.
I was first introduced to his noble work as a child in the 1980s through Utusan Konsumer, the official newsletter of CAP, of which my father was a subscriber. I read the newsletter diligently, and it cultivated in me an awareness of local environmental issues, consumer rights and workers’ rights.
I never failed to observe how Mohamed backed his assertions with facts and figures, rebutted arguments objectively and fairly, and stayed the course in relation to the issues he was championing, regardless of criticisms and setbacks.
He never wavered, and never apologised for putting the environment and human rights first. I remember the role he played in the evolution of Malaysia’s tobacco control laws, which eventually resulted in the banning of tobacco advertising, including the sponsorship of competitions and sporting events.
Although as a teenager I was disappointed that I could no longer watch tobacco-sponsored telecasts of NFL and NBA games, I came to appreciate that stringent prohibition against tobacco advertising and marketing is essential to protect public health and create a cleaner, healthier future for all, and this objective must come before our personal comfort and convenience.
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Mohamed, I learnt from those who had worked with him that he was an incorruptible, honourable man — steadfast in his principles and contemptuous of the “close one eye” mindset.
He spoke up courageously and impartially for the environment, consumer rights, labour rights and good governance, regardless of who was in power.
His mind remained sharp and his reasoning sound until the very end, speaking up against all forms of harm and injustice, from monoculture plantations to extravagant infrastructure projects that did not benefit the people. He was not against development, only against corruption, wastage and the irresponsible use of public funds.
He was not against harmless fun, but illuminated how advertising could manipulate impressionable minds.
Mohamed could have capitalised on his perspicacity and eloquence to become a very rich man, but chose to devote his life to protecting the vulnerable, whether it was the environment, consumers or workers.
He was wealthy in knowledge and spirit and lived an ethical life.
Through his example, I learnt, as I am sure many other activists and volunteers did, not merely to serve and contribute until we have exhausted all our resources, but to try to change the status quo, to try to reform the laws and systems that perpetuate social and legal injustice and environmental destruction.
For his efforts in educating the public on their rights, he has done more for democracy and nation-building than many politicians and self-proclaimed patriots.
It would be a fitting tribute to this great man if more Malaysians were to take up the cause of environmental and social justice, to protest corruption and abuses of power, to call out governmental authorities on destructive and wasteful development and infrastructure projects, and to educate the disenfranchised on their rights and options.
He dedicated his life to educating us on our rights that we may carry on his work of creating a better Malaysia and better world.
S.M. Mohamed Idris lives on in the lives he has changed, including mine.