A Message From
Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi
President, Malaysian Chess Federation

The news on the passing of Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik earlier this evening was received with great sadness by the Malaysian chess community. For those who have been involved in chess in the late 80’s and throughout the 90’s, chess activities and programs flourished under the leadership of the then Dato Sabbaruddin Chik who helped to build and catapult chess to an unimaginable status in Malaysia. Tan Sri Sabaruddin was the one who managed to convince the parliament and cabinet ministers – under the visit Malaysia 1990 program, to bring to the Malaysian shores the final series of the World Chess Candidates matches between GM Anatoly Karpov and GM Jan Tinman with a budget exceeding RM1 million. With the guidance from Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik – coupled with the enthusiasm and wealth of that from the late Dato Tan Chin Nam, chess was at a magical level that is difficult to be matched up until this day.

Aside from the Candidates matches, there were also the Russian Grandmasters tour, the Asian Team Chess Championship, Zonals, Feri Muhibbah Cruise, National Chess Championships at 5-Star hotels, events in Genting Highlands and many more.

When the news of his passing was received during MCF AGM earlier today, a minute’s silence was observed with Al-Fatihah recited as a show of respect for the man who has changed the landscape for chess in Malaysia in ways that was never thought possible.

Thank you Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik – for the passion and support that you have given to the Malaysian chess community for it will always be remembered well within our hearts and our memories.

“We belong to Allah and to Allah we return”
May Allah bless his souls, forgives his sins and place him amongst the believers in Jannah. Amin Amin Ya Rab