Steven Sim visits recovering former UM lecturer Dr. Kamal
Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, visited his former University of Malaya (UM) lecturer Dr. Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Mohd Rus, who is recovering from cancer surgery.
Source: Utusan Malaysia · July 27, 2026 at 11:01 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 JULY 2026 —
Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, visited his former University of Malaya (UM) lecturer Dr. Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Mohd Rus, who is recovering from cancer surgery.
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Dr. Kamal, who has vision impairment, was discharged from hospital after an eight-day stay following the removal of a cancerous tumour. His condition has stabilised, according to Sim’s Facebook post on Monday.
Sim said he has known Dr. Kamal for more than 20 years, recalling how he used to read aloud to the lecturer while Dr. Kamal worked on his PhD thesis. Sim joked that he twice helped himself to extra rice during the visit and promised to return with a book by Hang Tuah, a historical Malay figure, once Dr. Kamal is well enough.
The minister said his visit aimed to offer encouragement to Dr. Kamal, a respected academic who has mentored many UM students. “He remains resilient despite his trial,” Sim wrote. “I feel humbled compared to the challenges he faces.”
Sim also pledged to bring not just the book but also the spirit of Hang Tuah—tenacity and perseverance—to Dr. Kamal’s next visit.