Al-haj M. Abdul Bakeer Markar's birth anniversary falls on Septemer 12 :

Bakeer Markar - positions never made him forget the common man

by W. J. M. Lokubandara

PERSONALITY: The great person who was affectionately called "Bakeer Mahaththaya" by the Sinhala people is the beloved father of my friend, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar. Today, nine years have passed since his passing away. He, who was at the age of eighty one years at the time of his death, was born at Maradana in Beruwala on May 12, 1917.

His mother was Rahila Umma and his father was Hakeem Alia Marikkar Mohamed Lebbe Marikkar, who was a gifted Ayurvedic Physician. His grandfather too was a famous doctor. Bakeer Markar represented a very illustrious generation of ayurvedic doctors. I am personally aware of the interest shown by him in preserving the traditional system of medicine as I was the then Minister of Indigenous Medicine.

He was first admitted to the St. Sebastian's School in Hulftsdorp, Maradana for his education and subsequently he was admitted to Colombo Zahira College as his parents were of the opinion that it was a better school for his education.

There, he was educated by the Principal of that College, Dr. T. B. Jayah and also by Dr. Kaleel. After leaving Zahira College, he entered the Ceylon Law College in 1940. Subsequently he took his oaths as an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court after completing his legal studies at the Law College.

Thereafter, he became the organiser of the campaign for the victory of his teacher, T. B. Jayah when the latter contested the Colombo Central seat in the General Election held in 1947. He entered the field of politics in 1950 by contesting the Beruwala Urban Council and became the Mayor in that Council.

Subsequently, he was able to secure a great victory as the First Member of the Beruwala Electorate in the General Elections held in March 1960. He contested the Beruwala Electorate again in 1965 and in 1977 and was appointed as the Deputy Speaker in 1977 and as the Speaker in 1978. He had the privilege of being appointed a Cabinet Minister in 1983 and the first Muslim Governor of the Southern Provincial Council.

All these important posts became glorious because of him. Furthermore, he was the founder President of the Muslim League Youth Front and the President of the Bar Association in the Kalutara District.

Al-haj Bakeer Markar was able to use Sinhala, Tamil and English languages fluently and he possessed a good knowledge of Pali and Latin languages as well. He used "Dhammapada' as his guide book. He was able to speak eloquently in Sinhala by citing copiously from Buddhist literature, thus endearing himself to the Buddhist masses.

Having worked closely with the Sri Lankan Muslim Society and organizations he was vehement on his policy that Sinhala only should be the official language in Sri Lanka. We should be eternally grateful to him for the interest shown by him towards the Sinhala Language Act.

His contribution towards the rebuilding of the lost peace and territorial integrity among different communities in the country is laudable. The vacuum created by a great leader of the people of that calibre is strongly felt today.

Certain actions of Al-haj Bakeer Markar illustrate the fact that he was not only a Leader of the Muslims, but also a Leader of the Sinhala Buddhists. A careful analysis of the results of the 1977 General Election proves this.

Positions never made him forget the common man. Just as a tree full of fruits bows down towards the ground, with each position earned, he became a true friend of the poor man with a deep sensitivity for their needs.

I am well aware of the fact that though he was born in Beruwala, a town of millionaires, he never betrayed the poor man for money. The reason for all his achievements can be attributed to the qualities such as human dignity, equality and equanimity which he cultivated by serving in the Lions Clubs and other social service organizations. There is no doubt that Mother Lanka is too happy, that he bestowed on the country a great son like Imthiaz Bakeer Markar to keep alive the flame of democracy lit by him.

I would cite just one example to illustrate Bakeer Markar's willingness to listen to us concerning problems confronting us. I was a Member at the old Parliament at Galle Face. True to my conscience, I moved a Motion in Parliament against the Slaughter of Cattle. During that period, I acted as if the day was allocated to me to present the Private Members' Motion.

I could never forget the manner in which I was allowed to move the Motion against the Slaughter of Cattle in accordance with my conscience. Furthermore, the way he conducted himself when points of Order and other matters were raised, showed that he was the very epitome of impartiality.

Today, when I am confronted with problems while in the Chair, as the Speaker, I am guided by certain decisions made by him as precedents.

Bakeer Markar was the father of eight children including a former Minister, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar. Sometimes fathers shine due to their illustrious children. Similarly, children shine due to the reputation of their mother or father. I see it indeed as a rare occurrence that both father and son being truly outstanding sons of Mother Lanka.

The entire country holds Imthiaz Bakeer Markar in high esteem, who is an exemplary youth who has received his education at the Ananda College, drawing inspiration from Sinhala Buddhist values.

Buddhists should never disregard the fact that he donated his copy of "Dhammapada" to his son Imthiaz. At this time, when we are commemorating former Speaker, Bakeer Markar, let us also appreciate the courage displayed by his illustrious son, Imthiaz to render a dignified service to Mother Lanka by following in the footsteps of his father.

The writer is Speaker, Parliament of Sri Lanka