Deshamanya
Bakeer Markar
Bakeer was a well-established criminal lawyer when I joined the
Kalutara Bar in 1969, some 19 years after him. He had a thriving legal
practice, due in a large part to his sincere, honest and charismatic
approach to clients.
He worked tirelessly in all cases, placing his clients at the focus
of his endeavours. I often marvelled at his speed and capacity to
rationalise situations on demand whilst maintaining courtesy towards his
opponents.
Behind his innate sense of decorum, remained a steely nerve and
fearless willingness to challenge the might of the judiciary. Bakeer
would stand his ground and fight on the principle that it is the duty of
a lawyer to fulfil and unequivocally pursue the needs of a client within
the confines of the law.
Bakeer was elected President of the Kalutara District Branch of the
Ceylon Bar Association.
His loyalty to his friends and colleagues was equally commendable.
In addition to his legal prowess, Bakeer was a multi-linguist and
great orator. I had heard him speak on political platforms long before I
began my career at the bar. I was amazed that he could even recite
Buddhist stanzas.
Alongside
my legal practice, I ran a fleet of small taxis. To support me, Bakeer
patronised my taxis even though there were cheaper ones available. I
still remember that Sammi was his driver of choice for his journey home
to Beruwela from the Kalutara Courthouse by taxi. Accordingly the taxi
with the vehicle registration mark 5Sri 4142 would be ready and waiting
each day for Bakeer after court. Indeed Sammioften mentioned that it
gave him a great sense of pride to be the chosen driver for such a
highly respected man.
Bakeer developed a flourishing political career that saw him rise
from Chairman of the Beruwela Urban Council to become the first elected
Member of Parliament for Beruwela. In 1977, Bakeer became Deputy Speaker
and went onto become the Speaker. Bakeer fell into the unique position
of being the last Speaker in the Old Parliament and the First Speaker in
the New Parliament. In 1983, he was appointed as a Cabinet Minister
without Portfolio and the Governor of the Southern Province of Sri
Lanka. When the President and Prime Minister were out of the country,
Bakeer served as the Acting Head of State.
Bakeer had become a role model for many aspiring young lawyers at the
time in Kalutara. On one occasion in the Magistrates' Court, I arranged
for Inspectors from the Office of the Bribery Commissioner to attend the
local court to monitor the corrupt Mudliyar who had been manipulating
the court timetable.
The Magistrate was shocked by my youthful brashness in inviting the
Inspectors without notification to the Court and tried to give me a hard
time over it. I was a little anxious, as I knew I had overstepped the
mark. However, Bakeer was delighted. He smiled politely at the
Magistrate as he leaned over to me and in a brief whisper congratulated
me on my boldness. This seal of approval from a highly esteemed
colleague at the Bar was greatly appreciated.
When I was selected to run for the British parliamentary seat of
Leicester West in 1983, Bakeer was one of the first people to telephone
and congratulate me. To this day, his good wishes ring loudly in my
ears.
One of my most vivid recollections of Bakeer was on a visit to the
Speaker's Official Residence in Kollupitya. Despite his rise in public
office, I saw before me a man who had not lost his sense of humility. He
welcomed his former law colleagues with open arms and invited me to
attend the New Parliament and sit in the Speaker's Gallery.
Bakeer was a rare breed of politician, kind, diligent,unassuming and
ever-willing to pass on his expertise and knowledge to the next
generation.
On speaking to Imthiaz recently, he mentioned that if he could do one
tenth of the work his father had done for Sri Lanka, it would be a great
achievement. I am sure there are many who knew Bakeer who would agree
with that sentiment.
Thank you Bakeer for your wisdom, the memories and your ability to
lead by example.
Sumal Fernando
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