Goodbye, Toni Kasim
The political and women’s rights activist Zaitun Mohamed Kasim withdrew from Malaysia’s 12th General Elections on account of what was believed to be, variously: typhoid, glandular fever, or intestinal ulcers. She had been fighting a protracted battle against pain and a host of symptoms that flared up, one after the other – though, for a while, she seemed to get better. There was a resurgence the week preceding campaign time; she was in a hospital as the country (specifically Petaling Jaya South, which would have been her constituency as Women’s Candidacy Initiative candidate) made history. When we received the election results, Toni had been told that she had liver cancer.
Further tests soon revealed that metastasis had occurred, and that the cancer was also in her pancreas. The prognosis gave her till the end of the year. As it turned out, this wasn’t the case.
Most people are familiar with Toni’s portfolio: her near-win in Kepong during the 1999 Elections; her work for Sisters In Islam and an army of other NGOs and advocacy groups; her writing, including articles about theatre, film and Ramadhan for Kakiseni; her lectures with clerics and artists and transsexuals about gender and sexuality concerns. This list, suffice to say, is far from adequate.
To me, as to many, Toni was a dear friend. During the loneliest Sundays of National Service, she would drive all the way to Kuala Kubu Baru (one time, she rode with my parents), bringing me books, news articles and hugs. (It would later become a thing for her to rate how well I hugged her.) She was a bedrock of advice and emotional support in my work, in my changing conception of religion and the state, and through a bad break-up. She told some of the most interesting stories I’ve heard.
I do not exaggerate when I say that, without her, I would not be the person I am today. Toni left an indelible mark on many lives.
I will miss her.
Toni Kassim passed away on June 4th, 2008, at dawn, in the company of her sister and niece. She was 41. She was buried at the Tanah Perkuburan Batu Tiga, Shah Alam, with family and an army of friends in attendance.
The main site has an obituary by Kathy Rowland. Those who wish to pay their respects to Toni’s memory may attend the memorial service this evening, at 7pm, at the mosque near Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport — on the Federal Highway to Subang, follow the airport sign; after the Subang toll complex turn right, and you will eventually wind up at a roundabout; take the three o’clock, and the mosque should be visible.
June 4th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I was gutted by the news because I believed that if anybody was going to tackle the predicament she had to face, and win, it would be her. She inspired me in very many ways. A brave, principled, always positive, generous and totally vivacious person … I am grateful to have known her, seen her in action, and will cherish the times we shared. The loss is deeply, painfully felt. And thoughts of Toni will continue to inspire me, and I am sure many others, too.
June 4th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
She had the courage to embrace morality, truth, spirituality. Her giving came from the heart and that’s why magical things happened. What else can we do but let the healing begin.
June 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I’d known Toni only very briefly but I was very much aware of her work and presence long before. The first time we met was at an audition/acting workshop at the Annexe. We acted a scene together, and I could still recall her spirited and unconcealed mannerisms to this very day.
She had so much passion, compassion and virtue within her that one could not help but be captivated by her presence, however lean or cursory those encounters may be.
With each and every passing of a brilliant soul, I will hope and pray that there is, in truth, a much better place for them out there, especially for Toni.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Very sweet tribute to Toni, Zedeck. I’m sure she’s smiling atcha.
June 5th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I met Toni Kasim in the late 1980s when she lived in Australia. It is no exaggeration that every conversation with Toni expanded my thinking and made me analyse my thoughts and actions for ethical development. Toni wanted to make sure that my zeal for protecting the environment did not inadvertently then cause social injustice. But that makes Toni sound serious - she was seriously fun and joyous and full of love for the many different people in her life. Thank you for all you gave the world Toni!
June 5th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
saya berjumpa toni masa 24 hours writting marathon organized by amnesty international di cm annexe tahun lepas. kami berbual ramah, panjang membicarakan keadaan di malaysia, tentang politiknya,tentang ketidakadilannya, tentang penyalahgunaan kuasanya dan bermacam macam perkara lain lagi. walaupun,kami PERTAMA KALI berjumpa, tetapi keramahannya tetap saya ingati.. saya begitu kagum sekali dgn toni, bila setiap kali usaha usaha beliau untuk melakukan berbagai bagai perkara yg baik untuk semua.. toni, u will be miss..
June 5th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I’ve known Toni last year during an event that JAG organised in UM: Fiesta Feminista. At first impression I already knew this person is a rock and sure enough that was she is. We’ve met a few other times, significantly in September when she trained me and a few others in Malacca; there I really got to know Toni. Her dedication, knowledge, her lively and vivacious self, and her warmth won over my heart instantaneously.
The last time I met her: We hugged saying our goodbyes, and I still remember her voice telling me I’m strong enough to endure “this”.
That was the last time I seen her smile, the last time she put her arms around me, and the last time I lay my eyes on her ever again. God I miss her so much! God bless your soul Toni…
June 6th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Jeff Sam and I have known Toni since the late 1980s when Toni and Paul were living in Adelaide, Australia. Our most wonderful friends. We loved them then and we love them now. Toni, we shall miss your never ending enthusiasm for life and gut felt belief in justice. We shall miss your wonderful smile. We shall miss you love of life. Love always, Heather Jeff and Sam.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Kak Toni was a gem of a woman. I’ll always look up to her as one of Malaysia’s greatest champion of women’s rights, human rights and democracy. RIP and condolences to her family.