Irene was a true woman of substance
YOURSAY ‘Beneath that steely surface, the gentle human being has not died.’
'Goodbye' to Irene, but not the end
LogicalMalaysian: Those who have known and followed Irene Fernandez’s great work cannot but have tears in their eyes. She braved a system to find justice and solace for defenceless immigrants.
Where did she get such courage? Beneath that steely surface, the gentle and kind-hearted human being has not died. She is still living among us and she will live as long as Malaysia exists.
Headhunter: What a fitting tribute for a very brave woman. May she rest in peace and may she continue to inspire and give courage to those who continue her work. Malaysia lost another of her good daughters.
SimonTi: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me water, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25.
Yes, Irene, I was oppressed and brutalised by the corrupt in power and you defended me and gave me love, strength, freedom, dignity and justice.
And for your righteous act, Irene, you were persecuted by a corrupt and evil regime in their futile attempts to silence and demonise you, but Allah has his plans for you in heaven.
You are a voice for the voiceless. You are truly a patriot and a courageous woman of great substance and inspiration. Thank you for standing up for the poor, the oppressed and the marginalised.
May Allah, Jesus Christ and his Blessed Mother Mary bless you with joy and peace with the holy angels and saints in heaven.
We love you, Irene. Malaysia and the world has lost a great leader.
Anonymous #58458950: Irene was a true woman of substance. Someone who had courage and the guts to make a stand for her beliefs and had the compassion to reach out to the marginalised, who not many care about.
God bless you Irene and may you rest in peace. Your work is done and your heavenly father has taken you back for much deserved rest.
My Opinion: Bye Irene, the last time we met, you were sitting behind me in the Kuala Lumpur High Court. I turned and you gave me a smile.
I was hoping I could meet you again. Alas, you are now smiling together with the righteous that had gone before you.
UBA: Irene lived a noble life dedicated to the service of the voiceless - and she died a peaceful, serene, untroubled death.
When I looked at her beatific smile as she lay in simple, unassuming state, I couldn't help but rejoice that she had done a superb job and her soul was perfectly at ease.
The same can hardly be said of those who tried their best to intimidate and silence her.
Azhar: Go in peace, dear sister. Today the nation has lost a champion who stood firm against the power of oppression.
You sought justice for the poor, the weak and the marginalised. You were not cowed but gained strength from your trials and tribulations.
The nation should honour you but then it will not happen because you were on the "wrong" side of the fence.
However, we ordinary citizens, who know what you stood for, shall honour and praise you. Our fight against injustice and corruption continues.
Kamaapo: Your dauntless struggle against the very entrenched powerful system and institutions, for the marginalised, oppressed, exploited shall be remembered fondly by all who value humanity.
Being altruistic as you were, you surely would forgive your callous persecutors. Indeed, a life full of great struggles against injustices.
Anonymous_1396273388: Irene, may your soul rest in peace. I do not know you personally, but your deeds and words are known by many.
You are a light and I hope the blind will see. You are a fire that warms the lives of many. And most of all, you showed love that will save Malaysia from hatred and strife.
Ranjit Singh Sadhu Singh: You are a rare gem, Irene. You shall always be remembered for demonstrating integrity, resilience and steadfastness in championing the rights of migrant workers.
Unlike many people, including leading academicians, you never sold your soul for personal gain. May God bless your soul.
RakyatBiasa: Just reading these comments in Malaysiakini makes me cry. You were such a wonderful person, Irene.
May your soul rest in peace with Allah who gave you courage and willpower to do what you did the best you could.
Idon'tlikekangkung: Goodbye Irene. When we see you in the next world, we will stand and applaud you ever so loudly. Thank you for being a voice to the oppressed.
The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now .
For more news and views that matter, subscribe and support independent media for only RM0.36 sen a day:
Subscribe now