Statement of condolence by Teresa Kok Suh Sim in Petaling Jaya on Wednesday, 4^th June 2008: 

The passing of Zaitun Kassim

DAP Wanita learnt with great sadness that prominent women's activist, Zaitun 'Toni' Kassim had passed on early this morning from duodenal cancer.

Over the years, we have had the privilege of knowing and working withToni on women's as well as human rights issues, and greatly admired her commitment and dedication to her field of work. Toni was a strong advocate of reforms in laws that discriminated against women, and she commanded huge respect from all those who knew her.

As she once said in an interview, "Women's rights remain my key thrust because of something I learnt a long time ago. If women are empowered, the whole community eventually moves forward. It's that simple because as the nucleus of a family and community, it makes no sense to sideline or ignore women."

As a Muslim woman, Toni worked hard to create awareness of the need for recognizing elements oh human rights in the context of Islam and women in Islam. She was very outspoken in advocating justice and equality for Muslim women, contributing to the advancement of Muslim women in the country.

A tireless believer in the principles of justice and equality for all, Toni was also actively involved in poverty alleviation and sustainable development programmes in various capacities while working for various NGOs and aid agencies locally and abroad.

In 1999, the DAP had a brief, direct working relationship with Toni in the General Election. She contested on a DAP ticket in the Selayang parliamentary seat against Chan Kong Choy. She managed to win 43% of the vote, reducing the incumbent's margin from 38,627 (1995) to 8,835.

With the passing of Toni, we have lost someone who fought hard to make Malaysia a better place for all. Today is a sad day for Malaysians who love and value justice and equality. We will miss Toni very much indeed.

DAP Wanita would like to convey its deepest condolences to the family of the late Toni Kasim.

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* Teresa Kok Suh Sim, DAP Wanita Secretary & MP for Seputeh