Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. A. Iruthaya Raj today. He was a distinguished and senior member of the Malaysian and Perak Bar. More so, he was a dear friend. 

His passing is being deeply felt by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife and children during this time of sorrow.

Having been admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1976, he served the legal profession with dedication and honour for over five decades. Before embarking on his journey as an advocate and solicitor, he began his career in the public service as a court interpreter before later serving as a Labour Officer. These early roles reflected his deep passion for justice and his lifelong commitment to labour law. Determined to advance himself, he pursued his legal studies externally and later travelled to England to sit for his law finals, which he successfully completed.

When I returned from my law studies, I had hoped to chamber in his firm, Kean Chye & Sivalingam. Although there was no vacancy at the time, he kindly recommended me to chamber with Concisom & Co. That thoughtful gesture alone spoke volumes about his generosity of spirit and his willingness to guide young lawyers. It is a testament to his example and influence that two of his daughters have followed in his footsteps to become lawyers themselves.

From my very first meeting with him, I was struck by his honesty, integrity, and sense of fairness. Though we were friends, he never allowed personal ties to compromise his clients’ interests. On several occasions, he offered me invaluable guidance and even took the time to review and correct my clients’ pleadings.

He was always ready to help, whether it meant staying late at the office or answering a call from a colleague seeking advice. I still recall of when I visited the construction site of the new Ipoh lower courts complex last year. Despite his ill health, he came personally to greet my team and I, and engaged us with his  ever thoughtful questions.

When I was first elected as a Member of Parliament, he advised me to speak out for the people without bias, fear or favour. That advice has stayed with me throughout my public life and continues to guide me today.

He was a kind man, sharp in his understanding of the law, and a voracious reader and researcher. I remember he was one of the few who subscribed to English newspapers and law journals, constantly keeping himself informed and updated. His depth of knowledge and intellectual curiosity were truly admirable.

Lawyers like me, and I hope the younger generation of lawyers too, will always remember him not only as a man of great legal acumen but as a mentor, a gentleman and above all, a true friend.

May his noble soul rest in peace.