It is with a feeling of deep sadness and loss that I have to advise of the unexpected passing away of  Ahmad Al’ Bakish bin Ismail, eldest son of Ismail Ibrahim and Bibi Bahnoon Mathloob Khan and younger brother to Khairon Segal. Ahmad had a stroke a month ago. Yesterday, 22 March 2002, he unfortunately suffered a fatal heart attack. He would have been 61 years today, 23rd of March.

Ahmad will always have a special place in the hearts of the Segal Family boys, Tariq, Rohan, Raphael and Damien. He befriended them as a true Uncle, ‘adopting’ them and treating them as though they were his own children. Damien in fact was asked to be ‘best man’ at the wedding of Ahmad’s eldest son, a traditional role in Malay society that honours the person asked.

Ahmad had a distinguished career in the Royal Malaysian Police Force, holding many senior operational positions. For example he was Deputy Commander in the Thailand/Malaysia Joint Field Force combating communist terrorists hiding in the jungle along the Thai – Malaysia border, and later became Deputy Police Commissioner for the State of Kedah. He was a practical ‘hands on’ man who lived life to the full. As his brother-in-law, I will remember him for his love of life, and his generous nature.

Ahmad is survived by his wives, Asiah and Asma, and his nine children and grandchildren.