Migrant rights activist Aegile Fernandez passes away at 72
Tenaganita director Aegile Fernandez has passed away at the age of 72, following a period of illness.
Her family said in an announcement that she passed at 1.26pm on Tuesday, March 9.
“Aegile has been a warm glow of comfort in so many lives and a...
UPDATED 8.25AM, MARCH 10 | Tenaganita director Aegile Fernandez has passed away at the age of 72, following a period of illness.
Her family said in an announcement that she passed at 1.26pm on Tuesday, March 9.
“Aegile has been a warm glow of comfort in so many lives and a bright and enduring light in the fight for justice and equality. We ask that if you are comfortable, please light a candle for her today.
“Importantly, she'd want you to keep up her mission for justice, her practice of kindness, her open heart to all who have the least.
“In the words of Aegile, her reminder to us of her mission in life: Ask me not what’s my race or creed, just take me in my hour of need,” the announcement read.
Aegile hailed from the rubber plantations of Sungai Petani, Kedah, and is the younger sister of Tenaganita’s founder Irene Fernandez who died in 2014.
In a 2017 interview with Malaysiakini, she said she started social work since she was 16 years old, and went on to work with prisoners, sex workers, drug addicts, HIV/Aids patients, domestic abuse victims, refugees, human trafficking victims, and abused children.
She joined Tenaganita in 1993 as her sister was setting up a migrant and human trafficking desk.
She vowed that she could never stop her work because there is so much to be done.
Aegile’s wake will be held on Wednesday, March 10, from 10am to 8pm and on Thursday, Mar 11, from 10am to 8pm at 29, SS15/5D, Subang Jaya, Selangor. Five people will be allowed at a time and attendees will need to pre-register.
The funeral will take place on Friday, March 12, at 11:30am at the Church of Divine Mercy in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Further details can be sought from Tenaganita (03-7770 3691 and 03-7770 3671) or from Deveshi (011 2696 9148).
Those interested to donate to Tenaganita in memory of Aegile can do so at 8000 227 264 (CIMB Bank) with the reference comment “Aegile”.
Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran was among those who paid tribute to Aegile, saying her passing was a "loss to the country".
"I was always amazed by her in-depth knowledge and passion for the cause of helping those in need.
"Her loss is an irreplaceable one, especially to the labour movement, and may her soul rest in peace," he said on Twitter.
"She was persistent and never wavered in her cause," he added.
Tenaganita executive director Glorene A Das said they were heartbroken at the loss of such a kind and brave mentor.
"We are still numb and her loss is slowly sinking in. Her fighting spirit, her gentle ways, her smile, and her true kindness will never be forgotten.
"These are very difficult times for us all but, as she always said, we must continue what we do no matter how tough it is. Ultimately our actions will save lives," she told Malaysiakini.
Glorene also credited Aegile with helping build partnerships with enforcement agencies, which have been key to the group's work.
Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto also conveyed her sorrow over Aegile's passing, saying:
"What a sad day it is. What a huge void you will leave behind in our world.
"You reminded us of our duty to fight inequality and injustice. Our duty to speak out fearlessly and our duty to protect the vulnerable and marginalised."
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