©New Sunday Times
(Used by permission)
by Audrey Dermawan
The homely figure in white is as recognisable in Malaysia as any celebrity or
politician. AUDREY DERMAWAN talks to a consumer warrior about his earlier days
when he fought a different battle, and savoured the sweet moments as
independence was being declared
THE flowing white beard and moustache, the trademark black songkok and all–white
shirt and sarong (it used to be a pair of trousers).
This is S.M. Mohamed Idris, JP. He may be getting on in years
— Idris is 81 — but this national warrior has not slowed down.
He is still fighting battles for the people.
Idris was barely in his teens when Malaya was invaded in 1941, one imperial
nation replacing another imperial nation.
Like many of his generation, Idris was awakened to nationalism. His strong grasp
of the country’s political, social and cultural issues strengthened his sense of
belonging as a Malayan.
And when the Japanese were sent packing home and the British
returned, Idris was fully aware of what colonialism was all about, the subtle
division of the people which allowed for the outright exploitation of the
country and its resources.
"They robbed us of so many things," said Idris, who was elected to the George
Town Municipal Council in 1954 under the Alliance ticket.
That colonialism was on its way out was a forgone conclusion but the
divide–and–rule tactics of colonialism saw racial tension on the rise in the
early 1950s, just before Malaya was to become independent. Idris played an
active role in the goodwill committees where he and other like–minded people of
the Alliance, the forerunner of the Barisan Nasional, organised numerous
activities to bring the people closer.
It was hectic those days when a day’s job was never completed as Idris and
others agitated for independence and worked to bring people together.
And it was all worth it.
"It seemed like the brightest star had risen above the horizon on that day,"
said Idris, who witnessed the declaration of independence at the Merdeka Stadium
on Aug 31, 50 years ago,
"It was a day that gave hope to a nation wanting a fair and just society. We
were able to throw out of this country those who plundered, exploited and
enslaved us."
Idris was then 31, and he had travelled to Kuala Lumpur with his daughter,
Ayisha, then 5, and close friend, A.S. Mohd Mydin (the former Penang Football
Association president), to witness the historic occasion.
"There was a huge celebration back home (in Penang) but I told myself I would
not miss the grand one for anything in the world.
"I went to Merdeka Stadium to be a part of the bigger celebration. I went there
to be among the tens of thousands of very proud Malaysians. The feeling was
great, really, really wonderful. Everyone was so happy. Malay–sians finally
stood up as free people and as their own masters."
Idris, who is always passionate whenever he speaks of those days, served as
municipal councillor for three terms.
Like the battle for independence, there was another battle, an unending battle,
to fight for consumerism, to get people to be aware of their rights.
It was the 1960s, a turbulent era in Europe and America at a time when the
Vietnam War was raging. Anti–war sentiments were high and students were in the
fore pushing for the rights of people and nation.
The students in Penang were no different, and members of the Penang Graduate
Society felt they should also act for the people.
The Selangor Consumers Association was already active and so their help was
sought, and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) was formed.
It was in November 1969, during his last term as a councillor, when Idris was
invited to serve as president. Anwar Fazal was secretary and among the first
members were Tunku Ismail Jewa, Saleena Yahya Isa and one Dr Ling Liong Sik.
It was not just the battle for consumers’ right to decent food, housing, health
care, public transport and education. Idris was also, and is still, championing
the cause for a clean environment.
He has been doing it since the early 1970s, long before "save the trees", "save
the animals" and "care for the greens" became buzz words.
It was in 1975 when CAP championed the cause of the fishermen of Kuala Juru,
awakening Malay–sians to the effects of irresponsible industrialisation.
The Kuala Juru fishermen’s catch was affected and their cockle beds at the
shoreline were poisoned by effluents discharged upstream.
It was not just sensational issues that Idris and his people at CAP undertake.
They also help aggrieved consumers get redress for a faulty electrical appliance
or a guarantee not honoured.
CAP has over the years organised seminars and given talks in schools, clubs and
unions. It also publishes a newsletter, Utusan Konsumer.
There is still work to be done, a lot of consumer work. Idris is at the CAP
office in Jalan Masjid Negeri by 10am, after first visiting his other offices
and leaves when the sun sets.
"I like my work very much and I will continue to contribute as long as I can."