Malaysia Mourns the Loss of Reformist and Advocate Haji Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari

Malaysia Mourns the Loss of Reformist and Advocate Haji Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari

PUTRAJAYA, April 28, 2025 — Haji Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari, a respected reformist, former acting chairman of Bersih, and secretary-general of Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM), passed away early Monday morning at the National Cancer Institute (IKN), after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 50.

The passing of Shahrul Aman marks a profound loss to Malaysia and to the causes of democratic reform, justice, and social unity that he championed with tireless dedication.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended his condolences on social media, praising Shahrul Aman’s commitment to civil society and democratic progress:

“I pray for his soul to be granted forgiveness, and for his family to be given the utmost strength during this time,” Anwar wrote.

Shahrul Aman played a pivotal role in the country’s democratic landscape, notably serving as the acting chairman of Bersih from March to October 2018 after the departure of Maria Chin Abdullah. He was instrumental in advancing the cause of free and fair elections, transparency, and civil liberties in Malaysia.

A Life Devoted to Reform, Youth Empowerment, and Islamic Values

Long before his national-level activism, Shahrul Aman had already been empowering his local community. Over 20 years ago, he was instrumental in activating RISMAS (Remaja Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar, Bangsar) — a mosque youth movement aimed at guiding and inspiring young Muslims through Islamic teachings and civic responsibility. He championed this cause with passion and dedication, believing that the future of the ummah depended on nurturing principled, conscious youth.

A man of principle and humility, Shahrul Aman once left a prestigious career at MIMOS to fully dedicate himself to Islamic outreach and social activism with IKRAM. As a student in the United Kingdom, he was active in the Islamic student movement under Majlis Syura Muslimun (MSM), laying the foundation for a lifelong mission of da’wah and community service.

His life exemplified the Qur’anic command:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.”

— Surah An-Nisa (4:58)

His commitment to justice reflected the words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

“The most beloved of people to Allah on the Day of Judgment will be the just leader.”

— (Sahih Muslim, 1827)

Shahrul Aman was also known for his unwavering patience and noble character, embodying the prophetic ideal:

“The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character.”

— (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 1162)

His dedication was deeply rooted in the Islamic understanding that life in this world is a test, and that each soul has a divinely appointed mission. As Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent — [He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.”

— Surah Al-Mulk (67:1–2)

And:

“Did you think that We created you in play (without purpose), and that you would not be returned to Us?”

— Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:115)

The Prophet ﷺ also reminded us of the fleeting nature of worldly life:

“Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.”

— (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6416)

Shahrul Aman lived by this ethos — never seeking recognition, but always striving for lasting good. He was a "balancing force" within Bersih and among his peers, known for his soft-spoken firmness and calm leadership, especially during moments of crisis. His comrade Mandeep Singh recalled how Shahrul stepped up during Bersih 5, taking the reins after senior leaders were arrested.

“He was soft-spoken, but firm. His quiet strength left a lasting impact on all around him,” said Mandeep. “He sacrificed a lucrative career, endured hardship, and never wavered in his commitment to a better Malaysia.”

IKRAM, in its official statement, remembered him as a steadfast servant of the ummah, who contributed deeply to da’wah, education, humanitarian work, and national unity. He was a key figure behind significant initiatives, including the League of Parliamentarians for Al-Quds 2020 and Malaysia Stands with Palestine campaigns in 2023 and 2024.

He also advocated for equal rights and justice across communities. Organisations like Family Frontiers expressed gratitude for his “endless support” in the fight for citizenship equality.

As the Qur’an affirms:

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives...”

— Surah An-Nisa (4:135)

Tributes Across Society

Pakatan Harapan Youth leader Asmaaliff Abdul Adam posted a final photo of Shahrul Aman during a visit the night before his passing, describing it as a “last glimpse of a brother.”

Former Education Minister Dr. Maszlee Malik, whom Shahrul once served as press secretary, described him as a principled activist with a firm Islamic identity — one who embraced and celebrated Malaysia’s diversity.

DAP Vice-Chairman and MP for Bangi, Syahredzan Johan, paid tribute:

“He held interfaith dialogue with sincerity and believed in justice for all Malaysians, regardless of faith or race. He was the embodiment of mercy, compassion, and ethical leadership.”

KEADILAN Secretary-General Fuziah Salleh shared how just days earlier, Shahrul had invited her to IKRAM’s Raya celebration with his usual warmth — a conversation that would be their last.

“May his contributions continue to bring him reward in the Hereafter, and may he be granted Jannah, insha’Allah,” she said.

A Final Farewell

The funeral prayer was held at Masjid Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang after Zuhur, followed by burial at the nearby Muslim cemetery. The outpouring of respect spanned all walks of life — from national leaders to grassroots activists. Among those present were Deputy Ministers YB Senator Fuziah Salleh and YB Dr. Zulkifli Hassan, Federal Territories Mufti Dato’ Dr. Luqman Abdullah, and Parliamentarians YB Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and YB Syahredzan Johan. Civil society leaders such as Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, Maria Chin Abdullah, and Tian Chua also paid their respects, underscoring Shahrul’s broad influence across political and religious lines.

As the nation bids farewell to Haji Shahrul Aman Mohd Saari, we are reminded of the promise of our Creator:

“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast — the angels will descend upon them, [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’”

— Surah Fussilat (41:30)

“Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Judgment will you be paid your full recompense. So whoever is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has indeed triumphed. And the life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion.”

— Surah Al-Imran (3:185)

May Allah reward him abundantly for his righteous deeds, forgive his shortcomings, and grant him the highest station in Jannatul Firdaus.إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un Indeed we belong to Allāh, and indeed to Him we will return اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ ، وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ ، وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ ، وَافْسَحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ ، وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ Allāhumma-ghfir lah, wa-rfaʿ darajatahū fi-l-mahdiyyīn, wa-khlufhu fi ʿaqibihi fi-l-ghābirīn, wa-ghfir lanā wa lahū yā Rabba-l-ʿālamīn, wa-fsaḥ lahū fi qabrih, wa nawwir lahū fīh. O Allah, forgive him, raise his rank among those who are guided, and take care of those he leaves behind him. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds; expand his grave for him and illuminate it for him.