Professor Dr. KS Nathan passed away on May 28 at the age of 79. Affectionately known as Soosay, his passing represents a profound loss to both the Malaysian academic world and the Indian community in the country. A respected scholar in the field of international relations, he served for many years at Universiti Malaya, where he left a lasting impact through his academic contributions and mentorship.
After retiring from Universiti Malaya, Professor KS Nathan continued his academic journey as a senior research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) in Singapore. Following his time at ISEAS, he took on a contractual role at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, where he remained actively engaged in academic work until his final retirement a few years ago.
Elevated to the rank of professor well before his retirement, Soosay was deeply respected for his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and scholarly research.
Professor K.S. Nathan served as the founding General Secretary of EWRF Malaysia. In a Facebook post honoring his memory, EWRF wrote that Professor K.S. Nathan’s vision and dedication were instrumental in establishing the foundation of the organisation’s lasting mission—to uplift underprivileged communities and support deserving children, particularly in rural areas. A distinguished academic and respected community leader, Prof. Nathan strongly believed in the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding, and strategic thinking. His unwavering commitment to these principles influenced national and regional discourse in Malaysia and beyond.
Professor K.S. Nathan’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched—as a scholar, mentor, and community leader. His intellectual contributions, compassionate leadership, and steadfast dedication to education and social equity have left an indelible mark on Malaysia’s academic and civic landscape. As the nation mourns his passing, it also honours a life devoted to knowledge, service, and the betterment of society.
Source: Free Malaysia Today, EWRF Malaysia Facebook
