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Bashir Ahmad (politician)
Encyclopedia
Bashir Ahmad was a Scottish
National Party
politician. He was elected to the Scottish Parliament
to represent the Glasgow region
at the 2007 election
, and was the first MSP
to be elected from an Asian-Scots
or Muslim background. Ahmed was a prominent and well respected figure in Parliament and in his community. He was revered for his character, "Bashir Ahmad was a man of extraordinary grace, kindness and decency" and his trail blazing active compassion for a better, more inclusive society.
. Ahmad built his business empire and achieved success as an entrepreneur, a hotelier, and a restaurateur. He served five terms as President of the Pakistan Welfare Association.
to the party. He retired from business in 2003 to devote himself to politics
. In that year's elections
, he beat all odds and won this Labour safe seat and became elected councillor of Pollokshields East.
Upon his selection as second on the SNP's Glasgow list, Ahmad said: "The lack of any Asian or ethnic minority voice in the Scottish Parliament has been felt deeply in my community. But SNP members have righted that wrong. By doing so, they have proved that the SNP aspires to lead a Scottish Parliament that will represent all of Scotland - a truly national parliament. I firmly believe the SNP can now earn the trust of the Asian community throughout Scotland and that this will be a bond that endures for generations."
During the 2007 elections
, Ahmad was elected to the Scottish Parliament
on the Glasgow regional list. He thus became the first non-white and first Muslim MSP
. He took his oath of office using both the Urdu
and English language
.
When Bashir launched Scots Asians for Independence at the SNP conference in 1995, he electrified the conference by saying "it isn't important where you come from, what matters is where we are going together as a nation" and with these words he received a standing ovation from a full auditorium.
He was a member of the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee, which decides which action should be taken on petitions submitted by individuals, groups or organisations.
He also lead and campaigned on:
First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond
paid tribute to Bashir Ahmad following his death. Mr Salmond said:
"Bashir was a man of enormous grace and respect, who brought the dignity of his faith to the very centre of our democratic process. Bashir made history by being the first Scots Asian MSP therefore giving the Scottish Parliament something indefinable. He made it representative of the whole country for the first time. He was the kindest, most decent human being it has ever been my pleasure to meet. And lastly, although he would have considered it to be first, he was the most patriotic of Scotsmen. He was a credit to both his faith and to his country. "
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
said:
"As a man, Bashir was a unique human being. He was loved and respected regardless of people's politics because he was a kind, decent and sincere man. His political legacy will be immense.
Bashir represented the best of Glasgow and the very best of Scotland. Bashir Ahmad was an exceptional person, and I will miss him deeply. He will be an enormous loss to parliament, to Glasgow, and to Scotland, as well as to his party. Bashir had a loving family, and countless numbers of friends from all walks of life, because he was such a warm and generous man."
Presiding Officer Scottish Parliament, Alex Fergusson:
"That, I suspect, was the very essence of Bashir Ahmad: unassuming, forgiving, patient and kind. He seemed to me to be the very epitome of the gentle man, in every sense.
I also suspect that he harboured not one ounce of malice towards anyone else, politically or otherwise, and it was clear to me that that absence of malice was accompanied by modesty that was anything but false. Yet, that gentle, modest and unassuming man has blazed a trail in becoming the first Asian MSP to grace the benches of our Scottish Parliament. Those who will follow his lead will do so in the certain knowledge that their forerunner set the finest of examples—one that they would do well to emulate.
In saying goodbye to Bashir, Parliament is saying goodbye to a good friend who made a great mark on this place."
Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie
:
"Bashir Ahmed was a real gentleman, much liked and respected across the political spectrum. To be the first Asian member of the Scottish Parliament was a real achievement." Although he was a committed member of the Scottish National Party and an unstinting champion of its cause, I feel that I can use the phrase "our first Asian MSP" because he had an influence in Parliament and beyond that transcended party-political boundaries. His presence made Parliament a better place, and the pride in his achievement was a collective pride that was shared across the parties.
Yes, he was a diligent, conscientious and effective MSP and his service on cross-party groups in the Parliament illustrated his wide span of interests in political and parliamentary activity, but it was the way in which he conducted that activity that attracted universal respect and affection. He was the embodiment of dignity and courtesy—gentle in demeanour and gracious in attitude. He was a man who, on meeting me on the Glasgow underground, was more concerned with carrying my suitcase than with getting himself to a formal dinner to meet the First Minister."
Labour leader Iain Gray
:
"The turnout at the funeral from Scotland's Muslim community and Scotland's political community is a measure of the esteem in which Bashir Ahmad was held. He was a kind and decent man.But he also changed the Scottish Parliament forever by becoming the first Asian and first Muslim MSP. He blazed a trail in which I am sure others will follow. He was well-liked and universally respected." Bashir's was perhaps the gentlest voice in this place [Scottish Parliament]—yet it will echo through the chamber for as long as men and women meet here to seek a better future for the country that Bashir clearly loved so much. That is a fine legacy for a good man."
Tavish Scott
, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats:
"Bashir was a decent and honourable gentleman and a good man to speak to." Bashir Ahmad was no identikit politician—he was not just another man in a dark suit. Perhaps the greater legacy, at a time when people can find politics to be too much of the same, is to appeal to people who are outside the orthodoxy of modern public life. That would be a worthwhile change indeed. I hope and desire that that genuine gentleman will be, in memory, a beacon of hope across politics and throughout the country. Scotland is a sadder place for his passing."
Margo MacDonald
, Independent:
"Bashir Ahmad's sheer humanity and love of life shone out of his face."
Conservative MSP Bill Aitken:
"Bashir's passing leaves a gap in Scotland's public life that will not easily be filled".
Osama Saeed
one of Scotland’s foremost peace activists and human rights campaigners:
"Uncle Bashir, as we called him, was a great man. The best. People admired him because he had those characteristics we all need - exemplary manners, a great nature, warmth and hospitality. He was a history maker - Scotland’s first ethnic minority MSP, its first Muslim MSP."
Michael Russell MSP:
"Bashir had the biggest, most generous, kindest heart I ever knew or will ever know. I don’t think I ever heard him say a malicious word about anyone, nor did I hear anyone say such things about him. No effort was too much trouble for him, no journey too difficult, no task to irksome. His was a religion of peace and he was the best advocate for Islam it is possible to imagine.
Islam also enjoins hospitality but for Bashir it was not just a duty it was a huge pleasure which he took very seriously. Many, many people in the SNP have had the experience of sitting in his house in Moray Place being fed like Kings.
No wonder he was so well respected and revered in his community, in his city and in the political party he came to call his own."
Anne McLaughlin MSP:
"If we all allow our natural compassion and humanity to be a factor in how we behave as politicians, perhaps that will be a fitting tribute to Bashir Ahmad."
Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown:
“It is evident from all I have spoken to that Bashir Ahmad was a man held in the highest regard."
Plaid Cymru AM Mohammad Asghar:
“Bashir Ahmad was a great man who had a rare ability to connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds, with all kinds of views. I remember fondly our time campaigning together in Scotland, when we became good friends. He will be remembered in Scotland as a pioneer – the first Asian-Scottish member of the Scottish Parliament, and a man who worked tirelessly for community cohesion and to increase political awareness amongst ethnic minorities."
Christina McKelvie MSP:
"Bashir was a very special man, a kind, decent, honest and generous man, always carrying a smile and a gentle word, always giving happiness to those he met. He gave a lift to all of us with his presence and he leaves a large gap with his absence."
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
National Party
Scottish National Party
The Scottish National Party is a social-democratic political party in Scotland which campaigns for Scottish independence from the United Kingdom....
politician. He was elected to the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is the devolved national, unicameral legislature of Scotland, located in the Holyrood area of the capital, Edinburgh. The Parliament, informally referred to as "Holyrood", is a democratically elected body comprising 129 members known as Members of the Scottish Parliament...
to represent the Glasgow region
Glasgow (Scottish Parliament electoral region)
Glasgow is one of the eight electoral regions of the Scottish Parliament , which were created in 1999. Nine of the parliament's 73 first past the post constituencies are sub-divisions of the region and it elects seven of the 56 additional-member Members of the Scottish Parliament...
at the 2007 election
Scottish Parliament election, 2007
The 2007 Scottish Parliament election was held on Thursday 3 May 2007 to elect members to the Scottish Parliament. It was the third general election to the devolved Scottish Parliament since it was created in 1999...
, and was the first MSP
Member of the Scottish Parliament
Member of the Scottish Parliament is the title given to any one of the 129 individuals elected to serve in the Scottish Parliament.-Methods of Election:MSPs are elected in one of two ways:...
to be elected from an Asian-Scots
Asian-Scots
Asian-Scots or Scottish Asians is a term used for people of South Asian ancestry who were born in Scotland, or for South Asian immigrants....
or Muslim background. Ahmed was a prominent and well respected figure in Parliament and in his community. He was revered for his character, "Bashir Ahmad was a man of extraordinary grace, kindness and decency" and his trail blazing active compassion for a better, more inclusive society.
Early life
Born in Amritsar, British India (pre-partition), he emigrated to Scotland in 1961 at the age of 21, settling in Moray Place, the famous Alexander Greek Thomson Terrace, GlasgowGlasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
. Ahmad built his business empire and achieved success as an entrepreneur, a hotelier, and a restaurateur. He served five terms as President of the Pakistan Welfare Association.
Political career
Ahmad had long been active in the SNP. In 1995, he founded Asian Scots for Independence to attract more Asian-ScotsAsian-Scots
Asian-Scots or Scottish Asians is a term used for people of South Asian ancestry who were born in Scotland, or for South Asian immigrants....
to the party. He retired from business in 2003 to devote himself to politics
Politics of Scotland
The Politics of Scotland forms a distinctive part of the wider politics of Europe.Theoretically, the United Kingdom is de jure a "unitary state" with one sovereign parliament and government...
. In that year's elections
Scottish Parliament election, 2003
The Scottish Parliament election, 2003, was the second general election of the Scottish Parliament. It was held on 1 May 2003 and it brought no change in terms of control of the Scottish Executive...
, he beat all odds and won this Labour safe seat and became elected councillor of Pollokshields East.
Upon his selection as second on the SNP's Glasgow list, Ahmad said: "The lack of any Asian or ethnic minority voice in the Scottish Parliament has been felt deeply in my community. But SNP members have righted that wrong. By doing so, they have proved that the SNP aspires to lead a Scottish Parliament that will represent all of Scotland - a truly national parliament. I firmly believe the SNP can now earn the trust of the Asian community throughout Scotland and that this will be a bond that endures for generations."
During the 2007 elections
Scottish Parliament election, 2007
The 2007 Scottish Parliament election was held on Thursday 3 May 2007 to elect members to the Scottish Parliament. It was the third general election to the devolved Scottish Parliament since it was created in 1999...
, Ahmad was elected to the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is the devolved national, unicameral legislature of Scotland, located in the Holyrood area of the capital, Edinburgh. The Parliament, informally referred to as "Holyrood", is a democratically elected body comprising 129 members known as Members of the Scottish Parliament...
on the Glasgow regional list. He thus became the first non-white and first Muslim MSP
Member of the Scottish Parliament
Member of the Scottish Parliament is the title given to any one of the 129 individuals elected to serve in the Scottish Parliament.-Methods of Election:MSPs are elected in one of two ways:...
. He took his oath of office using both the Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
and English language
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
.
When Bashir launched Scots Asians for Independence at the SNP conference in 1995, he electrified the conference by saying "it isn't important where you come from, what matters is where we are going together as a nation" and with these words he received a standing ovation from a full auditorium.
Campaigns
Ahmad lead the bill on making forced marriages a criminal offence in Scotland. Ahmad received praise for his humanitarian campaign for Scottish hospitals to treat the most serious casualties of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, particularly women and children with life-threatening burns or other wounds.He was a member of the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee, which decides which action should be taken on petitions submitted by individuals, groups or organisations.
He also lead and campaigned on:
- Racial Equality
- Carers
- Human Rights and Civil Liberties
- Older People and Ageing
- Palestine
- Breast Cancer
- Tibet's suppression
- Tartan Day.
Tributes and Praise
Alex Salmond
Alexander Elliot Anderson "Alex" Salmond MSP is a Scottish politician and current First Minister of Scotland. He became Scotland's fourth First Minister in May 2007. He is the Leader of the Scottish National Party , having served as Member of the Scottish Parliament for Gordon...
paid tribute to Bashir Ahmad following his death. Mr Salmond said:
"Bashir was a man of enormous grace and respect, who brought the dignity of his faith to the very centre of our democratic process. Bashir made history by being the first Scots Asian MSP therefore giving the Scottish Parliament something indefinable. He made it representative of the whole country for the first time. He was the kindest, most decent human being it has ever been my pleasure to meet. And lastly, although he would have considered it to be first, he was the most patriotic of Scotsmen. He was a credit to both his faith and to his country. "
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon is the Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy, Deputy Leader of the Scottish National Party and Member for Glasgow Southside....
said:
"As a man, Bashir was a unique human being. He was loved and respected regardless of people's politics because he was a kind, decent and sincere man. His political legacy will be immense.
Bashir represented the best of Glasgow and the very best of Scotland. Bashir Ahmad was an exceptional person, and I will miss him deeply. He will be an enormous loss to parliament, to Glasgow, and to Scotland, as well as to his party. Bashir had a loving family, and countless numbers of friends from all walks of life, because he was such a warm and generous man."
Presiding Officer Scottish Parliament, Alex Fergusson:
"That, I suspect, was the very essence of Bashir Ahmad: unassuming, forgiving, patient and kind. He seemed to me to be the very epitome of the gentle man, in every sense.
I also suspect that he harboured not one ounce of malice towards anyone else, politically or otherwise, and it was clear to me that that absence of malice was accompanied by modesty that was anything but false. Yet, that gentle, modest and unassuming man has blazed a trail in becoming the first Asian MSP to grace the benches of our Scottish Parliament. Those who will follow his lead will do so in the certain knowledge that their forerunner set the finest of examples—one that they would do well to emulate.
In saying goodbye to Bashir, Parliament is saying goodbye to a good friend who made a great mark on this place."
Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie
Annabel Goldie
Annabel MacNicoll Goldie is a Scottish Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament for the West of Scotland Region. She was the Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party in the Scottish Parliament from 2005 until 2011....
:
"Bashir Ahmed was a real gentleman, much liked and respected across the political spectrum. To be the first Asian member of the Scottish Parliament was a real achievement." Although he was a committed member of the Scottish National Party and an unstinting champion of its cause, I feel that I can use the phrase "our first Asian MSP" because he had an influence in Parliament and beyond that transcended party-political boundaries. His presence made Parliament a better place, and the pride in his achievement was a collective pride that was shared across the parties.
Yes, he was a diligent, conscientious and effective MSP and his service on cross-party groups in the Parliament illustrated his wide span of interests in political and parliamentary activity, but it was the way in which he conducted that activity that attracted universal respect and affection. He was the embodiment of dignity and courtesy—gentle in demeanour and gracious in attitude. He was a man who, on meeting me on the Glasgow underground, was more concerned with carrying my suitcase than with getting himself to a formal dinner to meet the First Minister."
Labour leader Iain Gray
Iain Gray
Iain Gray is a Scottish politician and the Leader of Scottish Labour Party Opposition in the Scottish Parliament. Gray was elected as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for the East Lothian constituency in 2007 having previously represented Edinburgh Pentlands from 1999 to 2003.-Background and...
:
"The turnout at the funeral from Scotland's Muslim community and Scotland's political community is a measure of the esteem in which Bashir Ahmad was held. He was a kind and decent man.But he also changed the Scottish Parliament forever by becoming the first Asian and first Muslim MSP. He blazed a trail in which I am sure others will follow. He was well-liked and universally respected." Bashir's was perhaps the gentlest voice in this place [Scottish Parliament]—yet it will echo through the chamber for as long as men and women meet here to seek a better future for the country that Bashir clearly loved so much. That is a fine legacy for a good man."
Tavish Scott
Tavish Scott
Tavish Hamilton Scott MSP is a Scottish politician and MSP for Shetland. He was Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats from 2008 to 2011...
, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats:
"Bashir was a decent and honourable gentleman and a good man to speak to." Bashir Ahmad was no identikit politician—he was not just another man in a dark suit. Perhaps the greater legacy, at a time when people can find politics to be too much of the same, is to appeal to people who are outside the orthodoxy of modern public life. That would be a worthwhile change indeed. I hope and desire that that genuine gentleman will be, in memory, a beacon of hope across politics and throughout the country. Scotland is a sadder place for his passing."
Margo MacDonald
Margo MacDonald
Margo MacDonald MSP is a Scottish politician and former Scottish National Party MP and Deputy Leader...
, Independent:
"Bashir Ahmad's sheer humanity and love of life shone out of his face."
Conservative MSP Bill Aitken:
"Bashir's passing leaves a gap in Scotland's public life that will not easily be filled".
Osama Saeed
Osama Saeed
Osama Saeed is the head of international and media relations at the Al Jazeera satellite network. He is also a Scottish activist and commentator.- Background :Saeed was born and brought up in Glasgow...
one of Scotland’s foremost peace activists and human rights campaigners:
"Uncle Bashir, as we called him, was a great man. The best. People admired him because he had those characteristics we all need - exemplary manners, a great nature, warmth and hospitality. He was a history maker - Scotland’s first ethnic minority MSP, its first Muslim MSP."
Michael Russell MSP:
"Bashir had the biggest, most generous, kindest heart I ever knew or will ever know. I don’t think I ever heard him say a malicious word about anyone, nor did I hear anyone say such things about him. No effort was too much trouble for him, no journey too difficult, no task to irksome. His was a religion of peace and he was the best advocate for Islam it is possible to imagine.
Islam also enjoins hospitality but for Bashir it was not just a duty it was a huge pleasure which he took very seriously. Many, many people in the SNP have had the experience of sitting in his house in Moray Place being fed like Kings.
No wonder he was so well respected and revered in his community, in his city and in the political party he came to call his own."
Anne McLaughlin MSP:
"If we all allow our natural compassion and humanity to be a factor in how we behave as politicians, perhaps that will be a fitting tribute to Bashir Ahmad."
Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown:
“It is evident from all I have spoken to that Bashir Ahmad was a man held in the highest regard."
Plaid Cymru AM Mohammad Asghar:
“Bashir Ahmad was a great man who had a rare ability to connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds, with all kinds of views. I remember fondly our time campaigning together in Scotland, when we became good friends. He will be remembered in Scotland as a pioneer – the first Asian-Scottish member of the Scottish Parliament, and a man who worked tirelessly for community cohesion and to increase political awareness amongst ethnic minorities."
Christina McKelvie MSP:
"Bashir was a very special man, a kind, decent, honest and generous man, always carrying a smile and a gentle word, always giving happiness to those he met. He gave a lift to all of us with his presence and he leaves a large gap with his absence."