.png)
TAN Sri Simon Sipaun, a former Sabah state secretary and prominent human rights advocate, died today at age 88.
His death, at 10.41 am at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu, was confirmed by his son Ignatius Sipaun.
A wake will be held at Agut Jubili Lighthouse in Penampang, while his funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 am on Tuesday at the Church of Mary Immaculate.
The cause was attributed to pneumonia and related health complications.
Simon served as state secretary from 1988 to 1993.o
Between 2003 and 2010, he was appointed vice-chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).
In 2011, he became the first chairperson of Proham, a civil society group formed by former Suhakam commissioners.
Apart from speaking out on issues related to democracy, governance and civil liberties, he also raised rights for the people of Sabah.
Sipaun was widely respected for his steadfast commitment to state rights and justice, and for standing up for good governance and civil liberties. – February 8, 2026