SINGAPORE: Mr Fazley Elahi, who founded a cultural show and library for fellow migrant workers in Singapore, died on Tuesday (Feb 4) at the age of 38.
Mr Fazley, known as Rubel to his friends, was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. Despite initial treatment, the cancer soon spread to the rest of his body.
Even though he was battling cancer, he helped organise last year's Migrant Cultural Show before returning home to spend time with his family and to seek further medical help.
In an interview with this reporter before leaving Singapore, Mr Fazley had said that he hoped to one day return and find a country different from before – a country which has learnt to treat its migrant workers even better.
He said he would "never forget" the friends who helped him through difficult times, with acts such as driving him to chemotherapy sessions after work.
"I have been loved by this city and these people; the same way, I love this city and these people."
Mr Elahi's story saw an outpouring of solidarity from the Singapore public, who helped raise funds for him to undergo treatment in India as well as to provide him with additional replacement income, so his family could build up their savings in the event of his death.
Mr Ak Zilani, who co-founded the cultural show with Mr Fazley, said the latter was like "a brother" to him.
"He was a cheerful person, very brave, and one of the most kind-hearted people I ever knew," he said.
"I was a different person before I met him. I was very shy, very quiet ... After I met him, I built up a community, met new people ... During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped so many workers, so many dormitories."
Ms Yuliatun Suraji, a member of the organising committee of the Migrant Cultural Show, said Mr Fazley was a "special person" and extremely passionate about promoting the "hidden talents" of migrant workers.
"I never saw somebody like him," said Ms Suraji, who has known Mr Fazley for close to seven years. "He wanted to show everyone that migrant workers have (made) big contributions to Singapore."
Continue reading...
Mr Fazley, known as Rubel to his friends, was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. Despite initial treatment, the cancer soon spread to the rest of his body.
Even though he was battling cancer, he helped organise last year's Migrant Cultural Show before returning home to spend time with his family and to seek further medical help.
In an interview with this reporter before leaving Singapore, Mr Fazley had said that he hoped to one day return and find a country different from before – a country which has learnt to treat its migrant workers even better.
He said he would "never forget" the friends who helped him through difficult times, with acts such as driving him to chemotherapy sessions after work.
"I have been loved by this city and these people; the same way, I love this city and these people."
Mr Elahi's story saw an outpouring of solidarity from the Singapore public, who helped raise funds for him to undergo treatment in India as well as to provide him with additional replacement income, so his family could build up their savings in the event of his death.
Mr Ak Zilani, who co-founded the cultural show with Mr Fazley, said the latter was like "a brother" to him.
"He was a cheerful person, very brave, and one of the most kind-hearted people I ever knew," he said.
"I was a different person before I met him. I was very shy, very quiet ... After I met him, I built up a community, met new people ... During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped so many workers, so many dormitories."
Ms Yuliatun Suraji, a member of the organising committee of the Migrant Cultural Show, said Mr Fazley was a "special person" and extremely passionate about promoting the "hidden talents" of migrant workers.
"I never saw somebody like him," said Ms Suraji, who has known Mr Fazley for close to seven years. "He wanted to show everyone that migrant workers have (made) big contributions to Singapore."
Continue reading...