Appreciations

Marhoom B. Zahiere Lye, the distinguished Malay leader and former appointed Member of Parliament was born on November 7, 1902 and passed away at the age of 67. He guided the destinies of the All Ceylon Malay Association, the Malay Cricket Club and the ACMA Rupee Fund - the three premier Malay organizations for a considerable number of years.

Zahiere Lye is a household name among the Sri Lankan Malay community. He spent much of his time, wealth and energies for the progress and upliftment of the Malays at a time when there were few to help them, keeping the spirits of the community high and vibrant.

It is because of his untiring efforts in having built separate secretariats for the above three organizations and having amalgamated them as ‘Padang Complex’ that the Malay community could proudly invite VIPS, delegates and others from abroad.

At the same time, the Malay organisations islandwide make use of the ‘Padang Complex’ for their activities and it serves as the cultural centre and the secretariat for the Sri Lankan Malay Community.

The Malay Cricket Club, the oldest Ceylonese Sports Club which will celebrate its 135th Anniversary in 2007, had its original Rifle Green grounds commandeered during World War II. When the war ended the Malays saw to their consternation the police barracks (the present Slave Island police station and barracks) coming up where once they held sway on the cricket field.

After his personal prolonged negotiations with numerous ministries and government departments, suitable land for a cricket ground and pavilion was made available at Kew Road.

In accordance with the vision of Zahiere Lye, the CMCC was planned to have well laid out grounds for cricket, hockey, soccer as well as facilities for netball and other outdoor and indoor sports. This was to be the radiating centre for Malay activity – the pavilion was also to be used for the cultural, religious and fellowship activities of the All Ceylon Malay Association. It was also his plan to provide a few residential rooms for outstation Malays especially sportsmen on their visits to Colombo.

During the period without grounds, through Zahiere Lye's efforts the cricket team did creditably well in the Saravanamuttu Trophy Cricket Tournament.

His work as president of both premier Malay institutions was not the mere adornment of office but characterized with sincere hard work and sacrifice of time, leisure and wealth for the cause he espoused in ensuring progress of the community.

The Sri Lanka Malay Association Rupee Fund – for social service – will stand as a lasting monument to his services to the underprivileged. Both Zahiere and his wife Mashmoon made sacrifices to bring happiness to thousands of needy people, through such projects as the milk feeding centre, the handloom weaving centre, distribution of rice, cloth and cash, an annual treat to poor children, financial assistance, vocational training centre etc. The most laudable was a scholarship scheme for higher education to needy talented students – thanks to which many have passed out as doctors, engineers, architects and accountants.

The special “Zahiere Lye Scholarship” is awarded every year to the most talented university student or someone following other professional courses.

The Rupee Fund arose from an idea that “If each member were to collect a rupee a day – we would be able in due course to render assistance to the less fortunate brothers and sisters”. The idea seemed almost too simple but by sheer grit and determination their efforts surpassed expectations. Within three years the Fund was recognized by the government as an approved charity.

The then Governor-General Sir Oliver Goonatillake being impressed with this achievement invited Zahiere Lye to hold a meeting of the committee of the Rupee Fund at Queen’s House.

Zahiere Lye maintained a healthy rapport with the Ceylon Malays abroad. During his stay in London in 1947 he met Tunku Abdul Rahman who was later to be the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. He also served many institutions and organizations viz - the Islamic Religious Affairs Advisory Committee, the Waqfs Board, the Board of Control for Cricket, founder member Ceylon National Chamber of Commerce, Ceylon Malaysia Friendship Society, Ceylon Japan Society, Textile Advisory Board, the Masjidual Jamiah (Malay Military Mosque) etc.
The Malay community owes a great debt of gratitude to Zahiere Lye – the dynamic and dedicated leader for the great leap forward he gave the community.