Late silat leader Haneef Ali leaves lasting legacy in Sarawak

KUCHING: The late Muhammad Haneef Ali is remembered as a respected silat leader and teacher whose decades of dedication shaped martial arts development in Sarawak.

His contributions extended beyond traditional Malay martial arts, with his leadership, guidance and involvement in Aikido leaving a lasting legacy among students and practitioners.

Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) Board of Directors Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie said he was deeply saddened by Haneef’s passing when approached by reporters during a visit to the deceased’s house today.

“I am very saddened to hear of Haneef’s passing. We worked together at the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) when I was its general manager, before both of us moved to the university sector and met again there,” he said.

Sulong also expressed hope that Haneef’s friends would attend to pay their last respects, while praying that the deceased’s soul would be blessed.

Wan Hussin Wan Ali

Meanwhile, Perguruan Silat Paris Dendam Malaysia’s Guru Utama, Wan Hussin Wan Ali described Haneef as a mentor whose advice had greatly influenced his silat journey since 1994.

“He was a teacher who gave me a lot of guidance in silat. I followed much of his advice, which helped me establish my organisation and continue developing the martial art for more than 30 years,” he said.

Mohamed Alli Zainudin

Rumpun Silat Sarawak’s first vice-president and Perguruan Seni Silat Betawi Sarawak’s Guru Utama, Mohamed Alli Zainudin said Haneef’s passing was a significant loss to the silat community.

“I have been involved in silat alongside him since 1985, when he served as secretary-general of Pertubuhan Silat Sarawak before eventually becoming its president,” he said.

Alli said Haneef also led Pertubuhan Silat Bunga Putih Perkasa and played an important role in sustaining Aikido in Sarawak.

“He had thousands of students throughout Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, with some also in Australia. His contributions to silat and Aikido will continue to be remembered,” he said.

Dayangku Siti Mariam Awang Masli

For senior student, Dayangku Siti Mariam Awang Masli of Perguruan Seni Silat Helang Putih Perkasa’s Sarikei branch, Haneef was more than a teacher, having guided her since she was 14 or 15.

“He was not just a teacher but a real father figure to us. He always reminded us not to neglect our prayers, to preserve silat, and to uphold Malay dignity,” she said.

Dayangku Siti Mariam said she would continue Haneef’s legacy by developing successful athletes in Simunjan and Sarawak.

“As long as I am alive, I will continue his struggle by producing athletes who can succeed for Sarawak and Malaysia. I hope their victories will become a tribute to him,” she said.