Norhalim Hj Ibrahim
(1945-2008)
When I was staying in Rembau in 1957, one of my closest neighbour was a boy who was my age then by the name of Norhalim Ibrahim. We used to play together because his house was just next to mine where the government quarters were situated along the road known as Jalan Tambang Kuda. After I left Rembau a year later when my father was transferred back to Seremban, we lost contact altogether.When searching for information on the Adat, I came across many writings and books by him on Adat Perpatih, as he was a Professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia many years ago, and I am sad to learn that he passed away in 2008. I remember him as a jovial friend, a fully bred Rembau boy from Batu Hampar clan (suku) and when I mentioned to him that I came from the Biduanda clan (suku biduanda) he commented that my clan is a privileged one,because only those from this clan can be elected as the Undang in Rembau. Little did I realise that he was so passionate about the Adat, that he became the specialist and resource person on it and was always consulted by the practitioners of the Adat whenever the need arises. Norhalim Hj Ibrahim went to the Language Institute after his secondary education and then continued his studies at University of Malaya, graduating in 1971. He did his post-graduate studies in the United Kingdom and retired as a Professor in UPM at Serdang. He was still active after his retirement from the university and before his demise, he held the post of the curator of the Muzium Adat in Kuala Kelawang in Jelebu.As I went through his writings on the Adat, it is evident that his deep knowledge and expertise on the Adat had been recognised by the State government of Negri Sembilan when he was made the first Curator of the Adat Muzium. Norhalim Hj Ibrahim surely will be remembered for his deserving research on Adat Perpatih by the future generations in Negri Sembilan. May Allah bestow His Forgiveness on him and place his soul amongst the pious in Jannah.
4 comments:
Dear Hal,
Were there any books written by him. Best to get them if still available. Surfing the 'net may not be possible for certain people who prefer books to read! Thanks for sharing!
Hank
Yes Hank, he did publish several books which are now out of print, except one available on Amazon.com
Perhaps the Muzium in Seremban can be of help where to get them.
This is a typical example of the work of professors of the older generation. There were many people like him, especially those who obtained their post graduate studiesat established unversities abroad.
If we had today people of that calibre overseeing our education policies I doubt a half-past 'ministers' can issue daily press statements on how wonferful our policy is to bring up our standard to top world clasas - day dreaming instead of finding where we have gone all wrong.
Dear Pakcik,
I remember a hadith if not mistaken which states that when an important matter is given to someone who is not competent, then just wait for its destruction, and this is what had been happening to our education. From my days in Education Ministry, I have seen how political expediency overrides principles and education seemed to be the most convenient commodity to be used as a vehicle for popularity.
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