PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid tribute to the late Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan, describing her as a pioneering figure in the fight for justice, gender equality and peace in Malaysia.
Anwar, in a social media post, said he was stunned by the news of her passing yesterday morning, noting that Rasammah's name carried significant weight in the nation's history.
"In the pages of history, her name is etched as someone who resolutely championed women's rights, including advancing the principle of 'fair wages for equal work', a cause from which today's generation benefits, though it is often forgotten.
"She was a steadfast and consistent advocate on issues of justice, gender equality, and peace," he said.
Anwar also remembered Rasammah for her dedication as an educator, having served as a teacher at Methodist Girls' School Penang.
He recalled Rasammah's support during one of the most difficult periods in his life.
"In the dark days of 1998, she was among the voices that brought light and strength to me and my family.
"Her passing leaves a deep void not just for me personally, but for the nation and its people," he added.
According to Malaysia-India Heritage Society founder-president Prabhakaran Nair, Rasammah, 98, died at her residence in Damansara Heights in Kuala Lumpur at 9am.
He said she died at home due to old age and she will be cremated at the Nirvana Crematorium, Section 21, Shah Alam.
A remarkable leader
The Malaysian Organisation for Development of Indian Women in Career, Entrepreneurs and Professionals (MiWEPs) adviser Dr Maria Rufina described Rasammah as a formidable trailblazer, educator, and social activist whose lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of women has left a profound and lasting impact on the nation,
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to ignite change for years to come,” she said in a statement.
The Indian High Commission in Malaysia also extended its deepest condolences on the passing of Rasammah, an Indian National Army (INA) veteran, who was a member of the Jhansi Regiment, the women’s wing of the INA, and fought for India’s independence.
“The High Commission salutes Datuk Rasammah for her selfless service as an INA veteran. She was also one of the earliest women involved in the fight for Malaysian (then Malaya) independence,".
A pioneering educator and activist for justice
Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance (MICG) Sujatha Sekhar Naik said Rasammah was a pioneering educator, freedom fighter, and women's rights advocate whose legacy has left a clear footprint in our nation's history.
"She was amazing, at the age of just 16, inspired by a speech from Subhas Chandra Bose, she joined the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the women's wing of the Indian National Army, to fight against British colonial rule.
"From my vantage point, that passion and commitment to justice permeated everything she did in her life-long commitment to justice," she said.
She said she knew Rasammah as "Aunty Rasammah" who was a very vibrant part of her childhood and a very close much loved family friend.
"My late mum had been to university in Singapore with her, and they were women activists together. She fought for equal pay and rights for women educators and continued to be a fierce advocate for women's and children's rights through her work in NCWO, the YWCA, and so many more initiatives.
“She was a tremendous positive force. A person of integrity, fearless and passionate in her commitment to advancing the rights and protections afforded to women and children.”
"Much of the progress achieved in empowering women and the protections in place that we benefit from today, came from the strategic thinking and hard work that she and women of her cadre put in, laying the foundation for the rest of us," she said. - May 14, 2025
