S.M. Idris, the man who stood up for all of us

HE was simply S.M. Mohamed Idris to everyone. He didn’t need to be addressed as Tuan Idris. He didn’t even believe in being titled; he was happy being referred to as just S.M. Idris. In fact, to many, he was Uncle Idris.

The country’s iconic consumer advocate was always seen with his trademark songkok and white beard. I used to tease him about it, asking him if he slept with the headgear on as well.