Malaysian heroine honoured at Women’s Day tribute in Paris

Mar 28, 2025

PENANG: To commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris celebrated the legacy of Sybil Medan Kathigasu (1899-1948), a Malaysian heroine of World War II. His Excellency Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia to France, opened an insightful talk on her memoir No Dram of Mercy (1954). Already available in Mandarin, Tamil, and Japanese, her memoirs have gained global recognition with their recent French translation, Sans une once de miséricorde. This year, the Bahasa Melayu translation has also been completed.

Sybil Kathigasu was a true heroine, renowned for her courage during the Japanese occupation of Malaya. Her resilience and sacrifice led her to become the only Malaysian woman awarded the British Crown’s George Medal at Buckingham Palace. Her memoirs vividly recount her harrowing experiences and reflect her indomitable spirit.

Reflecting the solemnity of the occasion, the conference focused on the contemporary research of Prof Elsa Lafaye de Micheaux (Inalco, Paris). She invited Dr Jean-Charles Khalifa, former senior lecturer of English and Linguistics at the University of Poitiers, France, and Madame Hélène Poitevin (Campus Condorcet Library’s Asian Collection, France) to collaborate in presenting various aspects of Sybil Kathigasu and her memoirs. Together, they offered insights in Malay, English, and French. Prof Elsa’s reading, which vividly captured Sybil Kathigasu’s detailed descriptions of the atmosphere and events in Japanese-occupied Perak, resonated deeply with the audience, filling the room with palpable emotion through her clarity and lucidity.

In the final segment of the talk, attention was drawn to Sybil’s enduring legacy. The speakers paid tribute to her courage throughout her life, also acknowledging the bravery of her daughter, Dawn Kathigasu. They discussed the publication of Sybil’s book and its editorial journey, exploring its evolution through time, memories, and languages. Malaysian diplomat Priscilla Ann Yap offered insights into Sybil’s lasting impact in Malaysia today, highlighting, among other things, the ongoing process of her beatification. The in-depth question and answer session allowed for a thorough discussion of various aspects of the ongoing international research, as well as Sybil’s remarkable deeds, writing style, and personality, further illuminating the life of this exceptional heroine.

In the book Agent of Change – Essays on the life and times of Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Murphy, a chapter is dedicated to Sybil, titled ‘Seeking a Malaysian Saint.’ On July 1, 2024, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Penang, officially launched the process for Sybil Kathigasu’s beatification and canonisation. In his remarks, Cardinal Sebastian highlighted that this marks a significant moment for the faithful to come together in reflection and draw inspiration from her Gospel-centred life.

Following its public launch in the Klang Valley by SIRD-Gerakbudaya, the Bahasa Melayu translation of the book, titled Kenangan Luka and authored by Fahmi Mustaffa, will be officially launched by Cardinal Sebastian Francis on July 29 at the parish hall of the Church of St Michael in Ipoh, Perak.

The choice of this venue honours Sybil Kathigasu’s legacy of care, love, and compassion for the sick and suffering in the nearby town of Papan, Perak. Sybil Kathigasu passed away on June 12, 1948, in Scotland, and her body was later exhumed and reburied at the Catholic cemetery beside the Church of St Michael.