By Tian Chua
On 21 July, I received the sad news that an old friend, Paul Lim Huat Chye, had passed away peacefully in Brussels at about 14:00 local time (20:00 Malaysian time) after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
His death follows the recent passing of Lim Chin Chin on 20 July. This marks another loss for those affected by repression under the Internal Security Act [which was repealed in Malaysia in 2012].
Paul, a Singaporean, was a target of Singapore’s 1987 Operation Spectrum. This was a crackdown that saw 16 social activists arrested under the ISA on accusations of involvement in “Marxist” subversive activities.
Just five months later, Malaysia launched Operation Lalang. It is difficult not to see a possible connection between the two events.
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At the time, Paul was a PhD candidate in Belgium. To escape arrest, he sought political asylum. This began a life in exile.
I met Paul in the mid-1990s while pursuing postgraduate studies in the Netherlands. We enjoyed a great time despite a lot of arguments in the beautiful city of Brussels.
Though he often claimed to have adapted to life in Europe, I sensed his deep longing for Singapore. The repressive political system had cruelly denied him the homeland he loved and to which he was passionately committed.
To an intolerant autocratic regime, Paul was perceived as a subversive. In truth, Paul challenged the system within an institutional framework.
His activist journey began as a seminary student in Penang. There, he became deeply involved in church social services for labourers.
Whilst he embraced social justice within a theological framework, he constantly challenged the conservative apathy of the church community.
For his care for the poor, he was labelled a “Marxist”. Certainly, he was unapologetic for being an activist dedicated to organising and empowering workers and migrants.
As an academic, he worked tirelessly to bridge knowledge gaps between Europe and Asia. He became a vital link for activists from Singapore and Malaysia in the European Parliament.
Paul was an invaluable resource for NGOs and labour rights advocates. He provided critical connections to European institutions. His passion for human rights in Asia was boundless, and he never turned down a request. Whenever we needed an appointment with European politicians, lobbied the European Parliament or arranged meetings, who could we call? Paul Lim!
Though he could occasionally seem cynical or gruff, his commitment was immense. His scope of concerns was as broad as one could imagine.
Besides advocating for Malaysia and Singapore, he was willing to assist with almost any issue. These included Aceh, Burma, Indonesia, Thailand, East Timor, and abuses of workers’ and human rights in Asia.
Paul lives on in our memory as a legend. His legacy as a tireless advocate, scholar and bridge between continents will endure.
Younger generations of Singaporeans may not be familiar with him. More people should learn about Paul Lim’s contributions to justice and human rights. Hopefully, his life will inspire them.
Tian Chua is a former MP for Batu and long-time activist.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
RIP Paul Lim