Wednesday, July 22, 2009

IN MEMORIAM: THE ANCIENT MARINER


It was with shock that I read about fellow blogger, Captain Yusof Ahmad's sudden demise in the July 20 blog post titled "Fare thee well, ye Ancient Mariner". It was written by his eldest daughter, Nurasyikin bt. Muhammad Yusof. (See side bar under My Blog List: The Ancient Mariner).

I've never met Capt Yusof. It was while browsing Malaysian blogs that I came across his blog, the Ancient Mariner. Much of what he wrote about resonated with me. I immediately added a link on Seniorsaloud so I could follow his blog posts and share them with my blog visitors.


Capt Yusof had a flair for writing and a good grasp of the issues of the day to blog about. Unlike many socio-political bloggers whose writings are often full of hot air, hearsay and almost totally devoid of hard facts, Capt Yusof came across as someone whose views you could listen to with respect, even if you did not always agree with them.


Blog posts timeline: The last issue that the captain wrote about in his blog on July 7 was the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal. A week later on July 13, he apologized for being tardy about his blog updates. He explained he had been busy with daily visits to the Seremban hospital to see his ailing mother. On July 15 it was with much grief that he announced the passing of his beloved mother.


That was his last blog entry. Four days later, on July 19, Capt Yusof Ahmad passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was a young 64.


My heart-felt condolences to Capt Yusof's family. The bloggers fraternity has lost an outspoken member who had the courage to stand up for integrity, justice and the truth. Rest in peace, Ancient Mariner.

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