By : Prof Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hassan Shahabudin

The grey weather with low clouds, drizzly rain and gusts of wind over Belfast Lough echo the sombre feeling and sadness at the news of the demise of Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail on Saturday 14 November 2020. She was a giant icon of women’s advancement, family and community development for a harmonious, progressive and peaceful Malaysia.

An activist at heart she sought to fight her causes through journalism, politics and civil society. Never one to be half hearted she deservedly became a shining iota of the miniscule statistics of female elected representative in the Malaysian Parliament and a full Cabinet Minister. On the civil society side she succeeded Tun Fatimah Hashim as the President of NCWO and was given the mandate by more than 100 women NGOs affiliated to the Council to hold the post until she stepped down 17 years later.

“Kak Leha” as she was fondly known in NCWO was a sister through our alma mater, the Senior Methodist Girls’ School, KL. Although she finished school way before I enrolled I could sense that the universal values of love, respect, caring, appreciation of diversity, honesty and integrity inculcated by the school have been fully embodied by her and demonstrated in all her actions as a leader.

She never faltered on the question of right and wrong. Her moral compass guided her towards justice and fairness regardless of ethnicity, creed, gender or socio-economic circumstances. Her compassion for the downtrodden and marginalised knew no bounds as she worked tirelessly for the Orang Asli, B40, child victims of abuse and women suffering from domestic violence.

As a Cabinet member she was well poised to formulate policies concerning women, children and families. Her strong bond with NCWO was the channel for ground up articulation of issues pertaining to inequality, special needs of children and women, harassment and violence, lack of or inadequate law enforcement and customised programmes to empower women and families. Her factual or evidence based approach crafted many programmes and procedures to facilitate women’s advancement.

Above all Kak Leha was a friend and mentor to many. Her leadership style was motivating and inspired confidence rather than induced fear and intimidation. She was never too busy to show the way. No harsh words, only gentle hands, firm actions, plethora of experience and a persuasive voice to nudge you in the right path or direction. Never give up, try again were her usual exhortations. Her kindness overcame the agony of despair and spurred on the hope felt by many.

She had an infectious joviality. I remember the fun we had singing in China when she led the first women delegation to the PRC in 1985. She had a melodious voice, P Ramlee songs being the favourite. Her religious observances were strict but well balanced with the diverse society of Malaysia.

Kak Leha was a torch that lit many candles. She never failed to groom and nurture younger women. Hers was always to give and give. She did not hesitate to pass the baton when she deemed another is ready to take her place. Her greatness lay in the unselfish recognition that leadership must be transferred smoothly. It is that greatness which has given NCWO its stability and sustainability.

Dear Kak Leha, your flame will never flicker and go out. Your light resides in all of us whom you have touched in one way or other. Like you, we will transfer the flames to those who come after us. Your leadership is eternal.

The clouds have lifted, the winds have stopped billowing. It is now dry and a ray of sunshine is seeping through. In death there is the hope that you have given us all these years. May Allah bless you. Rest in peace my dear Kakak.

-- BERNAMA

Prof Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hassan Shahabudin is the president of the National Council of Women's Organisations, Malaysia.