KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s environmental crusader, activist SM Muthu (pic), better known as the “Green Man,” has passed away.
He died age 75 on Sunday after a two-year battle with cancer.
He was engaged in environmental causes right up to a few months before his death, although recently it was mostly via social media.
Muthu, who took an uncompromising stand on issues affecting the state, as a result of which he was loathed by some, soldiered on even when he faced headwinds for his convictions.
Questioned by police on many occasions for his stand and even sued for bankruptcy, he did not waver – even when other environmentalists pulled back as issues heated up.
His firm stand on environmental issues – including over coal power plants, developments at Tanjung Aru Beach and Likas Bay, as well as indigenous and social rights – earned him his monicker.
“He was firm and courageous. He would come forward to highlight issues when others were reluctant,” said former Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa) Wong Tack.
Muthu was with the Sepa team led by Wong which successfully objected to the setting up of a coal-powered plant in the 2010s.
Wong’s successor at Sepa, Alexander Yee, said Muthu had worked tirelessly to be the voice of Sabahans and to create environmental consciousness among policy makers.
“He spoke his mind and would make his case clear and easy to understand.
“But one needed courage to accept what he had to say and that was usually the tougher part.
“I am glad to have crossed his life path and sad to hear of his passing. I will remember him as a voice for us Sabahans and the conscience of our policy makers,” Yee added.
Apart from environmental issues, Muthu was known to work with youth, supporting them with various activities.
Social activist Amy Dangin described the passing of Muthu as a loss to Sabah.
“Any rally or peaceful protest, he came to the ground to support the voices of the young,” Dangin said on Facebook where many others also paid tribute to Sabah’s Green Man.
Muthu, who was from Teluk Intan, Perak, came to Sabah as a young teacher in the early 1970s, passed away at his home in Kingfisher Park here at 5pm.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary Lau Mee Yin, and children Dr Anand Nainar and Michele Nainar. Muthu’s final rites will be held at the KK Hakka Funeral Hall at 9am today before being cremated at the Tionghua crematorium.
