Malaysia has bid farewell to one of its most formidable champions of education and women’s rights. Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan, a pioneering educator, freedom fighter, and advocate for social justice, passed away at the age of 98. A wake will be held today at her home in Kuala Lumpur, with funeral services scheduled for Thursday at Wesley Methodist Church, followed by a cremation at Nirvana Crematorium, Section 21, Shah Alam.

In line with her commitment to compassion and service, Rasammah’s family has requested that donations be made to Hospis Malaysia or the YWCA Vocational Training Opportunity Centre, a cause close to her heart and one she personally founded, in lieu of flowers. Wake and funeral services will also be streamed live via Zoom to accommodate those wishing to pay their final respects.

Datuk Rasammah’s extraordinary life began with her enlistment at the age of 16 in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the women’s wing of the Indian National Army to fight colonial rule. Stationed in Burma during World War II, her journey was cut short due to illness, but it sparked a lifelong dedication to justice and equity. Her academic pursuits led her to earn a degree from the University of Malaya in Singapore in 1953, after which she began teaching at Methodist Girls’ School (MGS) in Penang.




She later served as the beloved principal of MGS Kuala Lumpur, where she inspired generations of young women to pursue excellence with courage and conviction. In 1960, she founded the Women Teachers’ Union, furthering the cause of equal rights within the education system. For her contributions, she was awarded the prestigious Tokoh Guru award in 1986. Rasammah was also a key figure in the formation of the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO), working alongside legendary women’s rights activists such as Puan Sri Sukumari Sekhar and Tun Fatimah Hashim.

Together, they helped shape the national discourse on gender equality, domestic violence, fair wages, and family welfare. Her advocacy extended beyond the classroom and into the halls of public policy, where she fought for pension reforms and minimum wage increases, and tirelessly spoke out against domestic violence and sexual assault. In recognition of her lifelong service to the nation, Rasammah was conferred the title of Datuk in 2008 by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Even in her later years, she remained active, mentoring young educators and continuing to be a guiding light in Malaysia’s social and educational development. Remembered not only for her fearless spirit and sharp intellect but also for her deep faith and gratitude, Rasammah often described her life as “wonderful,” cherishing every moment with her late husband Dr. Franklin Bhupalan, their three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan leaves behind a powerful legacy, compassion, and unwavering dedication to justice. Her life will continue to inspire generations to come.

Source / Image Credit : The Vibes , Malaysians for Malaysia