Tributes Pour In for Late Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan
Remembering a Trailblazer in Malaysian Indian Politics
PETALING JAYA: The passing of Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan, fondly known as the “Grand Dame of Malaysian Indian politics,” has left a void in the hearts of many. Devaki, who was 100 years old, breathed her last on January 20.
As the first woman to be elected to public office, Devaki’s contributions to the nation were immense. Her grandson, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan, described her as not only the pillar of strength for her family but also for the entire nation.
Devaki’s wisdom and guidance made her an exceptional figure in their lives. Her teachings on the values of life will be dearly missed. The funeral rites will commence at 11am on the following day at 118, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. The cremation will take place at the Malaysian Indian Ceylon Crematorium at Jalan Loke Yew at 2pm.
According to Ramanan, Devaki peacefully passed away at her home on Saturday evening due to old age.
A Legacy Remembered
The news of Devaki’s demise saddened Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He recognized her as an important figure in the struggle to elevate women’s stature in leadership and politics, as he expressed his grief in a Facebook post.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri highlighted Devaki’s exemplary leadership in shaping policies and initiatives that paved the way for equality and women’s empowerment. Nancy mentioned Devaki’s significant role in advocating for amendments to the Guardianship of Infants Act, which allowed single mothers to care for their children.
Throughout her lifetime, Devaki received numerous awards for her contributions to women’s empowerment and welfare services, both locally and globally. Notably, she was honored with the Serving Sister of St John Award by Queen Elizabeth II, the Tokoh Wanita Award, and the Tun Fatimah Award.
A Nation Mourns
Many prominent figures expressed their condolences to Devaki’s family. MIC President Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran conveyed his deepest sympathies in a Facebook post, recognizing Devaki as the first woman to be elected to public office in Malaysia.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa also paid tribute to Devaki, acknowledging her immense contributions.
A Life of Achievements
Born on March 11, 1923, in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, Devaki embarked on her political journey by winning the Bangsar seat for Datuk Onn Jaafar’s Independence of Malaya Party in the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council elections in 1952. She retained the seat for a second term in 1955.
Devaki’s dedication to the MIC was unwavering. She played a crucial role in establishing the party’s women’s wing and held positions such as MIC secretary in 1975 and Wanita MIC deputy chief in 1984.
Her impact extended beyond politics. During the May 13 riots, Devaki took charge of the medical clinic at Stadium Merdeka, providing care for approximately 3,500 victims and homeless individuals.
Devaki collaborated with notable figures such as Yong Shook Lin, Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin, Puan Sri Putih Mariah, Tun Fatimah Hashim, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun VT Sambanthan, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, and Tun Tan Siew Sin to rally for the Merdeka movement and develop the concept of a Malaysian society.
Devaki was married to P. Krishnan, who passed away in 1998.
The legacy of Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in Malaysian Indian politics, a champion for women’s empowerment, and a dedicated servant of the nation.
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