KUALA LUMPUR – The late Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan, who died yesterday evening at the age of 100, was an “Iron Lady” who inspired Malaysian women to achieve greatness, her eldest grandson, Sungai Buloh MP Datuk R. Ramanan said.
In a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother, the Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister described Devaki’s life as colourful and filled with history, even making history herself with a long list of contributions to the nation.
“She has given a lot of inspiration to women. She showed that women can make it, (and that) they can succeed despite (hardships),” he said when contacted by Scoop.
Of Sri Lankan ethnic heritage, Devaki was born in Port Dickson on March 11, 1923 and took up teaching as a profession.
She got involved in politics in 1950 and joined the Independence of Malaya Party (IMP) a year later, at the invitation of party founder and president Datuk Onn Jaafar.
Her list of firsts include being the first woman to hold public office in pre-independence Malaya when she was elected to the then-Bangsar Municipal Council in 1952. Her focus was on the welfare of women in Kuala Lumpur, and extending the council’s social work.
Devaki also showcased altruism and patriotism for her nation, having undergone firefighting and welfare training after joining the Civil Defence Force in 1953, and lent her services during the 1969 racial riots.
In recognition of her services as chairman of St John’s Ambulance Association, Devaki was honoured with the ‘Serving Sister of St John’ Award by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974.
She was also named Tokoh Wanita by the National Council of Malaysian Women’s Organisations (NCWO) – of which she was an executive council member – in 1985, as well as the Sevai Mamani at the World Hindu Women Conference in the same year.
Her accolades continued with the 1991 Avon-Tan Sri Fatimah Award and Tun Fatimah Gold Medal Award by NCWO for her philanthropic services.
“She was one of the first to embark (on a journey) to achieve greatness,” Ramanan said.
Despite her age, Ramanan said Devaki prior to her death was still dedicated to serving the public, by attending functions, providing counselling, and giving advice to those in need, even in her 90s.
“She was up and about. She was still going around attending weddings, talks and speeches. She kept herself very busy. She was a very active person.”
Within the family, Ramanan said his late grandmother was the motivating force who kept everyone going.
Although busy with politics, she and his grandfather would look after him while his parents were figuring out their careers, Ramanan added.
“When the going gets tough, you will always need somebody who will give you that motivation to continue persevering and not give up. She was really there for me.”
As the sole member in his family to pursue politics, Ramanan said people often commented that he was following in his grandmother’s footsteps, saying he had “a large pair of boots” to fill.
One thing his grandmother taught him, and which he still does, is to keep a detailed record of his activities, so he can look back and identify areas of improvement.
Ramanan had announced his grandmother’s death on social media last night.
Others who conveyed condolences over her passing included Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who described Devaki as an important figure in upholding the struggle of women in national leadership and politics.
“I am saddened by the passing of Malaysia’s first woman in public service, (Devaki), last night.
“Her services and sacrifices will be remembered forever. My condolences for her family,” he said in a Facebook post. – January 21, 2024