KUALA LUMPUR – Tenaganita director and veteran human rights activist Aegile Fernandez died this afternoon, following decades of fighting for migrant workers and refugees’ rights.
The 72-year-old’s death was confirmed by her family members.
“Our beloved, beautiful Aegile Fernandez, gentle warrior, full of heart and courage, has come to a peaceful rest at 1.26pm today,” they said in a statement.
“We would like to thank everyone for your outpouring of thoughts, prayers, love and support these past few days.
“We humbly ask that you continue to keep Aegile in your prayers, that she may find the peace and comfort that she deserves.
“Aegile has been a warm glow of comfort in so many lives, and a bright and enduring light in the fight for justice and equality. We ask that if you are comfortable, please light a candle for her today.
“Importantly, she’d want you to keep up her mission for justice, her practice of kindness, her open heart to all who have the least.”
Details on the wake and funeral will be shared soon, said the family.
Aegile was the younger sister of Irene, also an iconic human rights activist, who died of heart failure on March 31, 2014.
News of Aegile’s death reverberated across social media.
Very sad news on the passing of justice warrior Aegile Fernandez. For decades she fought for the rights of migrants and Malaysians selflessly and to work toward a more tolerant, kind and inclusive world. Sincere condolences to her family. Her light and spirit shines on. https://t.co/HZxd6vtO0b
— Bridget Welsh (@dririshsea) March 9, 2021
Klang MP Charles Santiago said he is deeply saddened to learn of her death, having known Aegile since the days of the Young Christian Workers movement.
“We have 1 less HR Defender of migrants, women & poor,” he tweeted.
“But her legacy will carry on in the work of Tenaganita & many more. Farewell my friend. RIP.”
Prominent lawyer and former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Latheefa Koya said: “She was a leading voice on women’s rights, migrants & domestic workers. A great loss to all of us!”
Political analyst Bridget Welsh called Aegile a “justice warrior”.
“For decades she fought for the rights of migrants and Malaysians selflessly and to work toward a more tolerant, kind and inclusive world.
“Sincere condolences to her family. Her light and spirit shines on.” – The Vibes, March 9, 2021
