In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, a spotlight is being placed on women who have made their marked in history. History in general has several notable moments but oftentimes women’s stories are missed in the bigger picture. In Malaysian history, there are several women who have made an impact in society. The following are just a few among the many women you should know in Malaysian history.
Cik Siti Wan Kembang: Kelantan’s Warrior Queen
Cik Siti Wan Kembang was a 17th-century ruler of Kelantan. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, and martial skills. During her time as ruler she developed Kelantan into a prosperous port.
Furthermore, she promoted peace and provided equal education for men and women. Despite many proposals, she remained unmarried to avoid conflicts. Believed to have ruled for 67 years, she is remembered as a remarkable and long-reigning queen.
Khatijah Sidek: Championing Women’s Rights in Politics
Khatijah Sidek was a pioneering figure in Malaysian politics, born in 1918 in Pariaman, Indonesia. Among historical figures, her efforts were recognized as the stepping stone towards greater female participation in Malaysian politics. Her political journey began in an anti-colonial women’s group in Sumatra before moving to Singapore in 1946.
There, she joined the Indonesian and Malay Women’s Assembly (HIMWIM) to promote women’s rights and political awareness. However, her activism led to her imprisonment under the British Emergency Act from 1948 to 1950. Upon her release, she was exiled from Singapore and eventually joined UMNO in Malaya
Khatijah became the leader of UMNO’s women’s section, Kaum Ibu, in 1954, advocating for gender equality and increased women’s representation in politics. Despite facing resistance and being expelled from UMNO in 1956, she continued her advocacy by joining PAS and leading its women’s wing, Dewan Muslimat. She rejoined UMNO in 1972.
Fatimah Hashim: Advocate for Women in Politics
Tun Fatimah Hashim became Malaysia’s first female cabinet minister in 1969 as Minister of Welfare. She began her political journey in 1947 with UMNO’s Kaum Ibu (later Wanita UMNO), encouraging women’s participation in politics. In 1962, she initiated Malaysia’s National Women’s Day and formed the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) to advocate for women’s rights.
Aishah Ghani: Pioneering Malaysian Politician
Aishah Ghani was a trailblazer in Malaysian politics, often seen as a successor to Fatimah Hashim. She became the head of Wanita UMNO and later served as the Minister of Social Welfare in 1973, following Fatimah’s retirement. More than this, she achieved several historical milestones.
She was the first woman to be appointed as a Senator in 1962 and the first female representative from Malaysia to the United Nations General Assembly in 1963. Her leadership and dedication earned her prominent roles, including serving as Minister of Social Welfare and heading Wanita UMNO.
B.H Oon: Legal and Political Pioneer
Lim Beng Hong, known as B.H Oon, was the first Malaysian woman called to the English Bar, a founding member of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), and the first female representative in the Federal Legislative Council.
As part of the Federal Legislative Council, she helped make Federation of Malaya an independent nation. Oon practiced law until the 1970s and died in 1979.
Many other Malaysian Women gave left their marks in history and the above stand as one of many historical figures that deserve recognition for their efforts.
