PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences to the family of Devaki Krishnan, the first Malaysian woman to be elected to public office, who passed away last night.

Anwar acknowledged Devaki’s significant role in the history of the women’s movement in leadership and politics, dedicating her life to community service.

“I am saddened by the death of the first woman in Malaysia’s public service, Devaki Krishnan, last night.

“Her contribution and sacrifices will be remembered forever. Condolences to the family,” he said.

Devaki, who died at the age of 100, was born on March 11, 1923, and began her career as a teacher. She was the first woman to hold public office in pre-independence Malaya when she was elected to the then Bangsar Municipal Council in 1952.

Born in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, she got involved in politics in 1950 and joined the Independence of Malaya Party in 1951, at the invitation of the party’s founder-president, Onn Jaafar.

Devaki was also the first Indian woman conferred the title of Tan Sri, in 1995, and has received various awards, including Tokoh Wanita and the Tun Fatimah Gold Medal Award from the National Council of Malaysian Women’s Organisations. – Bernama, January 21, 2024.