Bersih is saddened to share the news that Anne Ooi, dearly known by many in Malaysia as Aunty Bersih, has passed away.
A former English teacher, she walked for Malaysian democracy on 2 July 2009 and encountered tear gas and water cannons.
The iconic image of Aunty Bersih dressed in a bright yellow T-shirt and holding white chrysanthemums, drenched with chemical-laced water outside the Tung Shin Hospital, became the defining image of the Bersih 2 rally.
She represented thousands, if not millions, of ordinary people who care about our nation enough to speak up and do something when things are not right.
Deepest condolences to her family. She is an icon who will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Aunty Bersih. – Bersih
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Aunty Bersih @ Anne Ooi – a true Towering Malaysian and a dynamite of a lady.
This is a Malaysian whose immense love for her country knows no bounds and it shows!
I’m proud to have met Anne and spoken to her during the Bersih power days. She never craved for publicity and it was the media who put her up on a pedestal, where she rightfully belonged.
Let me say this. I have the greatest respect for Anne, and hold Aunty Bersih in much higher esteem than many of my so-called VIP friends.
Indeed, in life you only get to meet one Aunty Bersih you will remember and respect forever but many ministers and prime ministers whom you wouldn’t even bother to talk about 24 hours after they had left office.
“No, I’m not a hero. I’m just an ordinary person.”
(MoCS sends condolences to the family and all loved ones of Anne Ooi.) – Francis Paul Siah
Empower is saddened by the demise of Aunty Anne Ooi, who carried the dignified title of Aunty Bersih as she marched for free and fair elections in many Bersih rallies.
We send our deepest condolences to her family, relatives and friends.
We pay tribute to her for her message of hope and direct action. She was determined to see a democratic Malaysia and not afraid to show it with her charm and stoicism.
She shall be missed and forever remembered. We add our message of strength to her family. Rest in Peace, Aunty Bersih. – Empower
When Tenaganita was really struggling for funds, we had a couple of car wash fundraising events.
Anne would come and help, practically stand in the middle of the road, encouraging drivers to get their car washed.
She holds a special place in our hearts. – Glorene Das, Tenaganita
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Deeply missed but Aunty Bersih’s will legacy will live on. RIP Gallant Lady!
Aunty Bersih or actually Mdm Ooi, was a daughter of Penang rice miller
and philanthropist Ooi Kar Seng, the Nibong Tebal-based businessman.
Known to first Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee (1911-2002),
Ooi donated many bags of rice to the 1st Penang Scout Jamboree in 1966.
Many bags of rice left thereafter were quietly donated to the old folks homes
and orphanages. Ooi Kar Seng even had a road named after him in Nibong
Tebal.
I know this because the late Teoh Kuan Kooi was the Penang State Commissioner
who was tasked to undertake the donation was my grand-uncle.