HUMAN rights activists expressed shock and sadness over the death of Tenaganita co-founder Aegile Fernandez, who died this afternoon after being hospitalised on Saturday.

The 72-year-old was said to have suffered a cardiac arrest.

Former Bersih 2.0 chairman, Maria Chin Abdullah was shocked to learn the news and was close to tears when speaking about Aegile, a close friend of more than 30 years.

“I really don’t know what to say. I knew she was sick and I expected this, but I didn’t know she would go so fast.”

She recalled how they had both worked very closely and were always together when they were at the All Women’s Action Society.

“This is a great loss, and after the loss of Irene several years ago, it will be truly felt,” Chin said, adding that Aegile became the backbone of Tenaganita after her sister Irene’s death in 2014.

Segambut lawmaker Hannah Yeoh recalled the work she did with Aegile when she was the assemblyman for Subang Jaya.

“Back then we did a lot of programmes on creating awareness on trafficking issues together.

“My own awareness on this subject came from Irene Fernandez’s one-off day campaign for domestic workers. When Irene died, Aegile carried the load and continued her work.

“I have learned a lot about trafficking and migrant rights because of Aegile’s labour. Gone too soon. We have lost another fighter, a sister and a friend for the migrant community. She will be dearly missed,” Yeoh said.

Mahi Ramakrishnan, the founder of Beyond Borders, a non-profit movement that promotes and protects the rights of refugees in Malaysia, said the passing of Aegile is a big loss to the world of activism, the people that she worked with and to the community.

“We have worked very closely over the last three years. She was one of the most dedicated, loyal and compassionate people that I have encountered in my work with the refugees and migrants.

“I learned a lot from her and believe anyone who had the privilege of working with her would have learnt a lot.

“She’s a lion when she champions issues close to her heart, but in person she is a giving, kind and gentle person,” she said.

On Twitter, the executive director of North South Initiative, Adrian Pereira, said he was deeply saddened to hear of Aegile’s passing.

“Known her since YCW days. We have 1 less HR (human rights) defender of migrants, women & poor. But her legacy will carry on in the work of Tenaganita & many more. Farewell my friend. RIP,” he tweeted.

Klang MP Charles Santiago also took to social media to offer his condolences.

“Prayers and condolences to all in the family. All the blessings in the world to the souls of the Fernandez sisters. May they have a lovely reunion and celebrate together with the saints and angels above. Rest in Power Aegile,” he said.

Aegile, who died this afternoon, began her work in human rights at the age of 16 when she went to visit the sick in the hospital in Sg Petani, Kedah.

She went on to work with prisoners, sex workers, drug addicts, HIV/AIDS patients, domestic abuse victims, refugees, human trafficking victims and abused children before becoming director at the migrant and workers’ rights civil society group her late sister Irene founded in 1991. – March 9, 2021.