Age has proven no barrier for Datuk Dr G. Rethinasamy, 86, who has earned his doctorate following a legal career encompassing half a century. The lawyer, who operates his own law firm in Butterworth, continues to serve clients and supports the local community, with particular attention to those from lower income backgrounds. Rethinasamy received his doctorate at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) 63rd convocation ceremony.
Rethinasamy maintains an open door policy for clients, welcoming walk-ins and offering initial consultations without charge—an approach he has sustained for decades, particularly when dealing with clients experiencing hardship. “If I’m confident in helping solve their problems, then I will open a file. Many of them are people in need, so I settle the work first before considering taking a token payment,” he stated after receiving his scroll at USM.
He recounted that financial hardship forced him to leave his Form Six studies after just seven months when his father lost his job. To support his family, he entered the nursing field in 1959 and served at several hospitals before pursuing his legal studies at Lincoln’s Inn, United Kingdom, driven by his deep interest in the law. He established his own legal practice in 1975 after returning to Malaysia, gradually building a distinguished legal career serving the public.
Beyond his legal profession, Rethinasamy has been active in community development, playing a key role as an early developer of a low-cost housing project in Penang. Between 1989 and 1990, he oversaw the construction of 265 low-cost apartments in Tasek Gelugar, each sold for under RM50,000.
For his doctorate, the father of four examined the relationship between planning authorities and housing developers, as well as the planning processes that affect the cost of affordable housing provision. He also credited his continued vitality at age 86 to daily exercise and caring for stray cats around his home.
USM’s 63rd convocation ceremony saw a total of 9,347 graduates receiving their scrolls, comprising 865 PhD graduates, 3,501 Masters graduates, 4,934 Bachelor’s degree graduates, 47 nursing diploma graduates and one honorary degree recipient.
