Nazri said his friendship with San Markan, who died in a fire at his law firm on King Street here today, went back to 1974 when they were studying law in the UK and sitting for their bar examinations.

He said San Markan played a mentor-like role in his younger days, recalling how his friend once came knocking on his door on the morning of a contract law paper to make sure he did not miss the examination.

Nazri said he initially told his friend to go ahead without him, only for San Markan to threaten to inform his father if he stayed back. Nazri eventually sat for the paper and passed, while San Markan did not.

San Markan later returned to Malaysia to retake the one paper. Nazri accompanied him to the exam hall, took him to lunch and introduced him to his father.

Nazri said he was grateful he had travelled to Penang for San Markan’s 88th birthday celebration on Jan 28, as it turned out to be the last time they met.

He said the loss was one of the hardest he had ever experienced. “Next to my parents, I will be very much affected by this loss,” he said.

San Markan and an office assistant died in the blaze that broke out at their two-storey office unit in George Town this afternoon. Firefighters found him at about 1.05pm near a window, still seated on a chair.

He leaves behind his son, Anand, 58, and two grandchildren.

Penang Bar chairman Gowri Subbayah said San Markan was a respected member of the legal fraternity whose loss would be deeply felt.

San Markan was admitted to the Bar on Aug 7, 1978, and chambered under the late Karpal Singh. He later founded San & Associates before serving as a consultant to several firms, eventually joining M Kiru & Partners.

“Karpal and San Markan shared a close bond and mutual respect that endured throughout the years,” Gowri said in a statement.

“The Penang Bar has lost a senior lawyer and steadfast supporter. His presence, generosity and contributions will be dearly missed.”

Deputy chief minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo said San Markan was a close family friend whom he had known since he was young. He had also been his father’s student, making the loss all the more personal.

Jagdeep’s brother, digital minister Gobind Singh Deo, said: “Datuk San Markan was a very close friend of my late father and often reminisced about him when we spoke.

“He was always there for me personally, whether I needed advice or guidance, or just a light-hearted conversation. Uncle San was a good man. I am deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him dearly.”

Remembering his kindness

Former Malaysian Bar president Yeo Yang Poh said San Markan’s kindness was best reflected in the way he took in and cared for a retired former Chinese school headmaster who had once supervised him as a teacher.

He said the elderly man, who was not related to San Markan, lived with him for more than 20 years and was treated like a member of the family.

Yeo said the act left a deep impression on him, as it showed a rare kind of compassion and loyalty that went far beyond friendship or duty.

Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow extended his condolences to the victims’ families and said the state would cooperate fully with the relevant agencies, especially the fire and rescue department, to ensure a detailed investigation is carried out.

He also said the state would consider steps to improve fire safety in old buildings and other high-risk areas.