Sri Lanka, Sept. 10 -- The life and times of Alhaj M. A. Bakeer Markar is the lasting legacy from which generations to come may ponder and learn lessons.

The most significant feature of the legacy he left was that he remained humble with humility, focusing his sole attention on his people and their needs. He had a listening ear with empathy and compassion. He never acted two big even though he carried the mantle of being the Honourable Speaker of Parliament.

He detached himself from partisan politics to serve all representatives in equal measure. His humility was displayed to the maximum in the execution of his Parliamentary duties. Even his relationship with the common man and his voters was such that they had always easy access to ...