Ex-Malaysian Bar veep Roy Rajasingham dies at 87

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Bar vice-president and secretary Roy Rajasingham died today after a brief illness. He was 87.

Retired Court of Appeal judge S Nantha Balan confirmed Rajasingham’s death and paid tribute to a longtime friend of nearly 40 years, describing him as a man whose integrity, professionalism and kindness left a lasting mark on the legal fraternity.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of a dear friend. He was a true gentleman of the Bar… courteous, principled, and respected by colleagues and clients alike,” he said.

“He will be remembered with deep respect, gratitude and affection by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Lawyer Muhendaran Suppiah said Rajasingham was more than a mentor, crediting him with sparking his interest in industrial law and shaping his legal career.

“His wisdom, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice inspired generations of lawyers. I count myself fortunate to have learned from one of the finest in the profession,” he said.

Rajasingham served as a senior customs officer before being called to the Bar in 1980.

Outside the legal profession, he was an accomplished sports administrator. He served as vice-president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and the Malaysian Hockey Federation, chaired the legal committee of the Asian Hockey Federation, and was honorary secretary of the board of trustees of Yayasan Hoki Malaysia.

The wake will be held tomorrow from 3pm to 9pm at Nirvana 2, 16, Jalan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Bukit Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur. Funeral rites will be held at the Cheras crematorium on Wednesday.