KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Simon Sipaun, one of Sabah’s most prominent former civil servants and a long-time advocate of state rights, has died. He was 88.
His son Ignatius said Sipaun passed away from pneumonia and related health complications at 10.41am on Sunday (Feb 8) at a private hospital here.
A wake will be held at Agut Jubili Lighthouse in Penampang, while his funeral Mass is scheduled for 10am on Tuesday at the Church of Mary Immaculate.
Sipaun rose through the ranks of the state civil service, serving as Sabah State Secretary from 1988 to 1993. After retiring, he was appointed vice-chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) from 2003 to 2010.
He was widely known for speaking out on democracy, governance and civil liberties, while consistently championing Sabah’s rights through public talks and engagement with political and non-governmental groups pressing for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
In 2011, he became the first chairperson of Proham, a civil society group formed by former Suhakam commissioners.
Among the early Sabahans in British North Borneo to receive a Colombo Plan scholarship, Sipaun pursued his studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
Known for his principles, integrity and plain-speaking style, Sipaun was widely respected for his steadfast commitment to state rights and justice.
