The great human rights and women rights activist, Toni Kassim passed away last night (3 June 2008).I met Toni when my 1st year university life. Because my senior, Lih Kang asked me to join KOMAS workshop. DEMA also invite Toni to train universities' students in Human Rights Workshop. Toni had struggled for human rights and women rights in her whole life.
I still remember that I was interviewed by Toni in year 2006 when I applied SUARAM job. Of course she tested me with some human rights question.
Toni had contested in 1999 General Election with ‘women’s ticket’. She was the only one candidate who contested for women rights.
That year, Toni contested the Selayang parliamentary seat against Barisan Nasional’s Chan Kong Choy, although she stood under the DAP banner for logistical reasons.
In year 2008, WCI had decided to send Toni to contest in general election on ‘women’s ticket again. However, Toni pulled out of elections when her health has taken a turn for the worse.
Toni passed on is a great lost for our country and society.
The works to achieve "gender equality and the empowerment of women" will be continued.
One day, all people are created free and equal.
May dear toni rest in peace and we shall miss her dearly.
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