Paying Tribute to Shamsiah Fakeh, Fighter for Malaysian Independence

This blog pays tribute to Shamsiah Fakeh, the lady who fought for Malaysian Independence through her own choice of the left wing methods. She died age 84, at her son's residence in Jalan Kuchai Lama on Monday 20th October 2008 9 a.m.

Shamsiah is a heroine in her own right. I have read her memoirs earlier this year. She came from a very tough life since young up to her older days when she worked in exile in factories at China for almost 4 decades before allowed to return to her homeland Malaysia in 1994 after a peace truce between communists and the Malaysian goverment.

Shamsiah was the leader of the 10th Regiment of Malayan Communist Party (PKM), Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS - Female division of PKMM). They struggled against British colonizers.

Putting aside the political ideologies, I personally think Shamsiah is sincere in her efforts to free Malaysia back then.

This blog pays tribute and expresses condolences on the passing of an important person in the pages of Malaysian history.

In the foreword of her book, she states that she does not want to be remembered only as the female leader of CPM. Instead, she said : “I was merely a woman fighting the British for my country's independence and the emancipation of women.”

Rest in Peace, Shamsiah Fakeh.



Sites :
The Star : Veteran communist leader Shamsiah Fakeh, 84, dies
Malaysiakini : Shamsiah Fakeh meninggal dunia
Malaysiakini : Ex-CPM member Shamsiah Fakeh dies
Wikipedia : Shamsiah_Fakeh
Roslan SMS : Shamsiah Fakeh srikandi Malaya
The Star : To exile and back again