Veteran activist Irene Fernandez dies of heart failure

PETALING JAYA: Human rights activist and Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez (pix) died today after suffering a heart attack.
Irene, 68, was admitted to the Serdang Hospital last Tuesday, after complaining of breathing difficulties while on her way to attend the Bersih People’s Tribunal on the 13th general election.
Her sister Josie Fernandez said that Irene’s family members, including husband Joseph Paul and their three children, were by her side when she died at 10.58am.
Josie said that the family will also honour Irene’s request to be cremated and have her ashes buried with her late parents in Sungai Petani.
Born in 1946, she began her career as a high school teacher and was involved with the Young Christian Workers Movement (YCWM), based in Brussels, and in 1970 gave up her teaching career to become a full-time organiser for young workers.
She became prominent when she founded Tenaganita in 1991, which campaigns for the rights of foreign workers.
Those who want to pay their respects can do so at 570, Lorong Jambu 1/3, Taman Sg Ujong, Jalan Rasah in Seremban. Her body will be brought to her home at 29, SS15/5D, Subang Jaya on Thursday before the funeral service at the Church of the Divine Mercy, Shah Alam, at 3pm.