It was an era where the Muslims of Sri Lanka could never have been identified except with the shawl on the head just like the Tamil women with the pottus. There was unity in that diversity because everyone was very much aware that we finally and only be Ceylonese or Sri Lankan.
Bakeer Markar was a doyen who decried racial and religious identities and politics. He like many leaders of the Muslims of yesteryear, stood as a proud Sri Lankan, a legacy the Bakeer Markars carry on to date.
There were many occasions where we were at the Mumtaz Mahal (the Speaker’s residence) being entertained by both the beautiful architecture of that grand place and treats to fill our young stomachs.
Once, I remember going to the Speaker’s enclosure at the old Parliament (currently the Presidential Secretariat at Galle Face) during a parliamentary session. That day was memorable to all of us because it was the day if my memory serves me right that Dr. Neville Fernando crossed the aisle to the other side defying President J.R. Jayewardene.
As Speaker of the powerful J.R. Jayewardene Government which commanded a near absolute majority, he was known to have treated the Government with no fear nor favour. It was his objectivity that gave voice to the few Opposition figures in that Parliament which included the likes of Amirthalingam and Sarath Mutthetuwegama.
The late Bakeer Makar was the last Speaker at the old Parliament building and the first Speaker of the current building.
During his time as Speaker, he is also credited with bringing the audit of parliamentary administration with the Auditor General giving some sense of transparency to the affairs of Parliament. In 1988, the late Bakeer Markar was appointed Governor of the Southern Province and continued to serve the people of the South till he retired in 1993.
In recognition of his service to the country he was conferred the title Deshamanya. He passed away on September 10, 1997.
My association with the Bakeer Markars extended to his son, Imthiaz. He was my friend and we were two young people, a politician, and administrator in one UNP Government. He was my minister whilst I was the Chairman at Lake House. Our combined efforts saw a big turnaround in the fortunes of Lake House.
His brilliant late son Aadhil was my apprentice prior to him leaving Sri Lanka on a Chevening scholarship.
The Bakeer Markars and the Ladduwahettys have shared lives living side by side with each other and I hope our children will continue this legacy which is a testament to everything that is Sri Lanka.
May he attain the highest of the highest heavens Jennathul Firdouse.
