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IRENE FERNANZEZ, RIP

Irene died on March 31, which is also her 35th wedding anniversary.

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Malaysiakini

7:41PM Apr 3, 2014

‘Goodbye’ to Irene, but not the end

Everyone who gathered at the funeral ceremony of Irene Fernandez – the ‘iron lady’ from Sungai Petani and Malaysia’s champion of migrant workers rights – reaffirmed her righteous fight.

Her family and priests blessed it and her closest confidants pledged it in their hearts.

Irene, most famous for frustrating the Malaysian courts who tried to jail her for speaking up for the abused workers, received a simple send off, without pomp and grandeur.

About 2,000 people turned up today at the Divine Mercy Church in Shah Alam to say their last goodbyes and to send her off to her Father in Heaven.

Outside, there were four wreaths of pure white daisies.

Inside, the crowd who braved grey clouds and heavy rain comprised mostly of NGO workers, maids, migrants and regular church-goers – her family and friends, mostly in casual clothes.

 

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/259038

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Malaysiakini

2:00PM Mar 31, 2014

Condolences pour for ‘fearless’ Irene Fernandez

Hospitalised with breathing difficulties last Tuesday, veteran activist Irene Fernandez passed away of heart failure this morning. She was 67.

Comrades, colleagues and those who knew her share their condolences online:

Ambiga Sreenevasan (former Bersih co-chairperson): Always there for the marginalised, you have fought the good fight with passion and courage. Rest now my friend. Rest in peace.

Abdul Malek Hussin (Head of the Opposition Leader’s parliamentary affairs office): I highly-respect Irene Fernandez. She was the one who advised me to set up Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel) in 2004.

I remember her as a strong woman and a human rights fighter. During the anti-Internal Security Act protest in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 1, 2009, she was ill and had to use a walking stick, but she was there.

When I was arrested under the ISA in 1998, she lent me moral support and held a press conference to expose the tortures under ISA.

Irene Fernandez, for all those years of struggle, thank you. It’s the Lord’s wish for you to rest in peace. Kak Irene, we’ll surely miss you.

Sidney Jones (Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, Jakarta): Irene Fernandez, fearless migrant advocate, thorn in (Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad)’s side … One of Southeast Asia’s truly great activists.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP’s Gelang Patah MP): (The) nation mourns (the) passing of social activist Irene Fernandez who dedicated her life to make Malaysia a more human/humane society.

Fahmi Fadzil (PKR communications director): Deepest condolences to (the) family of Irene Fernandez, a champion of human rights. May your work inspire us to work harder for a better Malaysia.

Charles Santiago (DAP’s Klang MP, left): She was a fearless fighter, who stood for people who had no one to stand for them. Malaysia and the international community has lost a great person who advocated for justice and human rights.

Condolences to members of her family, (husband) Joe, (sisters) Aegile, Josie, her children and those who have been privileged to meet her. Irene Fernandez, gone but never forgotten. 1946-2014.

Elaine Daly (TV personality): Remembering her for her strength, commitment and perserverance. Rest in peace Irene Fernandez.

Maria Chin Abdullah (Bersih chairperson): Rest in peace Irene Fernandez – friend, comrade and fighter.

Lawyers for Liberty (Legal aid NGO): In 1995, (she) published a damning report on the deaths and deplorable living conditions of migrants while under detention. The report revealed that 59 inmates, primarily Bangladeshis, had died in Semenyih Detention Centre from preventable diseases, typhoid (and) beri-beri.
Irene was charged with maliciously publishing false news and after seven years of trial, she was found guilty and sentenced to one year’s jail in 2003.

However in 2008, the High Court overturned Irene’s conviction. During the long appeal process, her passport was withheld for bail.

Irene Fernandez (was) the exemplary activist – principled, fearless, uncompromising, dedicated to the poor & oppressed. Rest in peace.

For more:

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/258677

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Irene, 67, is still unconscious, but in stable condition, at the Serdang Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit.

Malaysian Insider

Activist Irene Fernandez suffers heart failure, in critical condition, says sister

By EILEEN NG
March 25, 2014

Prominent activist Irene Fernandez is in critical condition at the Serdang Hospital after suffering heart failure while on her way to attend the release of the findings of the Bersih’s People Tribunal on the 13th general election this morning.

The Tenaganita director was travelling from her home in Seremban when she suffered breathing difficulties and collapsed in her car seat.

“Her driver immediately drove her to the Serdang Hospital where doctors said she had suffered heart failure,” said her sister and former Transparency International Malaysia secretary-general Josie Fernandez.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/activist-irene-fernandez-suffers-heart-failure-in-critical-condition-says-s

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