PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan, the country’s first woman to be elected into public office, has entered the Malaysia Book of Records – 70 years after achieving that feat.

       Her bold leap in the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Election in 1952, a seat she retained in 1955, is seen as the breakthrough for political participation among women in a male-dominated field.

       The 99-year-old is also renowned for championing equal rights, and successfully pushed for the implementation of the Guardianship of Infants Act for women to better care for their children.

       Among the significant awards presented to her was the Serving Sister of St John Award by Queen Elizabeth, Tokoh Wanita Award and Tun Fatimah Award for her contributions to women empowerment and welfare services.

       The former teacher also holds the distinction of being the first Malaysian of Sri Lankan descent to be conferred the Panglima Setia Mahkota award which carries the Tan Sri title.

       Rohan Ramakrishnan, who is one of her five grandchildren, said despite her present frailties, Devaki still follows local and international developments closely.

       He said she is deeply concerned about the Russia-Ukraine conflict and is monitoring the war.

       Rohan, 33, said his grandmother often speaks of past events in her life, such as being paraded in an open-top vehicle accompanied by over 50 cars along Kuala Lumpur after she won the municipal council seat in Kuala Lumpur for a second time. “Other events (close to) her heart was being a member of the Civil Defence Force during the 1969 racial riots where she helped care for victims (of the fighting), and the homeless, which numbered around 3,500, at Stadium Merdeka.

       “She was in charge of the medical clinic, and continued serving there until all the victims were discharged.

       “She is truly a walking history book, having experienced the Japanese Occupation, British administration, Malayan Union, the philosophies of Tunku Abdul Rahman and others up to this day,” he said.

       Fast forward to the present, Rohan said his grandmother feels that there has been an erosion on the role of women in Malaysian politics.

       “She feels that most women are scared to speak up in a male-dominated field,” he added.

       The Malaysia Book of Records award was in conjunction with Devaki’s 99th birthday on Friday.

       “Her birthday wish is to live to 100, for Malaysia to remain prosperous, and to be an intercultural role model to the world,” said Rohan.