In the wake of the passing of Anne Ooi, better known as Aunty Bersih, heartfelt tributes and condolences are being shared on social media to honour her legacy.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil shared a picture of Ooi at a demonstration with a group of uniformed men behind her and said the image encapsulated her indomitable and defiant spirit in their quest for a better Malaysia.
“I know her through her daughter Elaine Pedley and we get to know each other closely in the stress of Kuala Lumpur during the many gatherings (including Bersih) over the years.
“My deepest condolences go to Elaine, Philp, and the family,” he tweeted via his account X.
Ooi passed away surrounded by her family in Australia.
Cartoonist Zunar described Ooi as an icon of the Bersih yellow T-shirt movement.
“She is a respectable figure. A former teacher who was the icon for the Bersih yellow T-shirt movement. May she rest in peace,” he tweeted
The electoral watchdog announced Ooi’s passing in a post on X this morning.
No ordinary person
When contacted, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said he will always remember Ooi as a special person in the history of civil society struggles.
“(I will remember her) tenacity and stubbornness in not giving up, and always moving forward.
“May she always be loved and remembered,” he added.
PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said Ooi was not just an ordinary person wearing yellow, but a symbol of democracy and the quest for free election.
“She participated in our May Day rallies and was arrested with us when we opposed the Goods and Services Tax at the Kelana Jaya Customs Complex.
“She will always be remembered and missed,” he told Malaysiakini.
Arutchelvan also said while the young continue the fight for justice, people like Aunty Bersih will be remembered and inspired by many in the movement.
‘Honour of a lifetime’
Writer James Chai also shared some kind words and fond memories with Ooi.
In his Instagram post, Chai said Ooi was the first chapter in his book, “Sang Kancil” and the chapter was his readers’ favourite.
“I remember looking for a person who represents the spirit during the historic government turnover in 2018 and then I saw her iconic photo, a grey-haired woman walking in front of a sea of armed riot control officers.
“Her body was drenched from head to toe, with both eyes shut in pain. But her hands clutched onto a chrysanthemum flower,” he said.
Chai said after getting the details of Ooi, he wrote about her where her persona was translated as “Sang Kancil” - an ordinary person whose small action made an enormous difference.
“Writing about Ooi was the honour of a lifetime.
“A part of her story becomes mine, and I am eternally grateful that I get to carry Aunty Bersih’s story with me,” he wrote.
Former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto also shared her heartfelt message for Ooi.
“A small but towering figure who made her presence known at Bersih’s peaceful rallies through her tireless determination and conviction for a better Malaysian.
“You will be missed, Aunty Bersih! Rest in power, comrade!” she tweeted. - Mkini
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