Bakeer Markar: Remembering an exemplary politician

M.A. Bakeer Markar

I consider it a privilege and honour to have been given the opportunity to spell out a few lines on the life and times of an exemplary politician with whom I had the pleasure to work with in a greater part of my public service career. This fine personality is none other than Mr. M.A. Bakeer Markar, MP for Beruwala in the Kalutara District, and a Cabinet Minister. His journey in politics, extended to about five decades of service to humanity in various capacities.

My first encounter with the MP was, when I assumed duties in the Kalutara District in 1978 soon after my stint as G.A. Ampara District. Bakeer Markar, MP for Beruwala then for the third time, was elected as the Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, in the latter part of 1978. This was the beginning of an illustrious political career till he bowed down in 1988 passing his legacy to his worthy son Imthiaz Bakeer Markar to represent the people of Beruwala and the entire country as a Minister of Posts and Telecommunication later.

In the course of our public service career we are expected to work with, various political figures of different party colours and of vivid temperament as well as official, members of civil society and the general public. Among the hundreds of such personalities, I can boldly say that Bakeer Markar was an exception. He was a fatherly figure, with an ever-lasting smile on his face, full of compassion, a counsellor and genuine advisor on mundane matters and an ardent follower of the teachings of Islam.

In my official capacity, I came to realise that Mr. Bakeer Markar, was one of the most popular politicians in the Kalutara District. The fact that, he was elected an MP on three occasions in a predominantly Sinhala majority electorate shows that Mr. Markar, was a gentlemen who had the well-being of the people and the area at heart rather than political affiliations, race or religion. He has contributed immensely to the infrastructure development of the area, such as roads and bridges, the development of schools and provision of job opportunities for the youth. His services covered all sectors of the society and to the best of my knowledge, he was above board, when it came to nepotism, favouritism and corruption.

One admirable trait in his character, was that although and ardent believer and a follower of Islam, he was a friend and benefactor of all religions. His services to the Buddhist clergy and the temple are well appreciated by the people of not only the Beruwala electorate but also the entire Kalutara District. He had a good grasp of Buddhism and very often quoted from Buddhist scriptures at his public gatherings.

Mr. Bakeer Markar, bade good bye to the Parliament in 1988 and was appointed Governor of the Southern Province which he richly deserved, considering his decades of service to the people of Sri Lanka. Undoubtedly, he is one of the very rare political figures who should be emulated by the younger generation in their future political deliberations.

A. Andrew de Silva,
Government Agent,
Kalutara District.
(1987-1997)