A.L.Looi (13/01/1942 – 27/09/1988)

The late Mr A.L.Looi affectionately known as “A.L.” was born in Muar on 13th January 1942. He received his early education in Johor Bahru and finished his secondary education at the English College – a premier school during this time. Whilst at the English College, he was a shot putt champion and set a school record that remained for many years. He was also a good badminton player. After he obtained his school leaving certificate, he proceeded to Australia for his further studies in 1960, quite clearly, not with the intention of becoming a lawyer – because Australian Law degrees were not, during that period yet recognised as a pre-qualification for admission to our Bar but fate had to change his course – he soon found himself at the doorsteps of the Inns of Court in London and qualified from Middle Temple at the relative young age of 23 years old. “A.L” came back to Johor Bahru, was called and admitted to the Malaysian Bar on the 3rd January 1966, joined the legal firm of Braddel Bros, as its resident lawyer but soon after, was given the opportunity to take-over and bought over the practice and practiced under the name and style of “A.L.Looi” – which he nurtured to be, if not the top, one of the top conveyancing firm in Johor Bahru. Was his practice his whole life? Certainly not! “A.L” took time to serve the bar as secretary of the Johore Bar Committee and as a Committee member. He took time to serve the community in Johor Bahru when he joined the Jaycces, Johor Bahru Chapter and during his presidency, organised the 1st Miss Malaysia/Miss Universe pageant and raised funds in aid of charity, to set up the Intensive Care Units (ICU) at the then Johor Bahru General Hospital (the current Sultanah Aminah General Hospital), to establish the deaf and dumb school in Johor Bahru, to provide funds for Cheshire Home and the Spastic Children School. And, up to the time of his untimely passing away “A.L” continued to be legal adviser to various charitable homes and organisations. He also took time to serve the nation when he joined the MCA in the late sixties and was a member of the group who were filled with the idealism of youth to want to bring about change in the MCA. But there was resistance to what he and his friends wanted to do. He later joined the Party Gerakan – a multi-racial party. Whilst being so involved with community work and service to the nation “A.L’ did not forget his love for the sporting life. He continued to play badminton on a regular basis, took up an interest in bowling – and golf which he excelled in. As a golfer he represented the Royal Johor Country Club (formerly known as the Tasek Utara Golf Club). In badminton & golf, he represented the Johor Bar – Bar team in our annual games with the Police for many years. If not for his untimely death, “A.L.” and Doris, his wife would have celebrated their silver wedding anniversary (25 years of married life) in 2 years time. Doris and the children remember him as both a good husband and a father. And “A.L.” was known to get along well with his children. I had the privilege of working for and with “A.L” for well over 4 years from the year, 1970 up to April 1974 and found him a man very pleasant to work with as well as a worthy colleague. There was never an occasion that I could recall when he raised his voice against any of his staff. The fact that the members of his staff have been with him for many years speaks well of him as an employer. Many of us have lost a good friend. I, myself have also lost an old friend from our school days, the English College days. I sincerely believe that with “A.L.’s” passing away, the legal profession has lost yet another member who had his roots in and have nurtured – a way of life more full, more gracious, more meaningful than the “rat race” of today would permit. His widow and his children have every reason to be proud of him.

By Arthur Lee

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