'An angel who lit the way': Veteran lawyer and women's rights advocate Malathi Das dies at 53

SINGAPORE — After learning that veteran family lawyer Malathi Das had died, bookseller Anthony Koh Waugh on Wednesday (April 13) recalled with fondness her act of kindness when his CityLink Mall outlet was struggling to make ends meet.

Das, known to friends and colleagues as Mal, had heard of his business woes and difficulty paying the rent that month in 2015. That night, she rushed down to his shop after work right before closing time.

“My cash register had S$400 more after she left,” Mr Koh said, adding that his was not the only independent business that she had supported. She had also spent money at events he organised for small businesses.

“This was Mal, a high-achiever who could afford all the branded things in the world but chose to keep small businesses alive.”

Das, who was also a law professor and staunch advocate of women's rights, died at the age of 53 on Tuesday. The cause of death was not disclosed publicly although she is known to have suffered a stroke last year.

The director at law firm Joyce A Tan & Partners was a commercial litigation and family lawyer with close to 30 years of experience.

Her expertise in family law made her a principal and family mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre. She was also among the earlier child representatives appointed by the Family Justice Courts.

Among Das’ many accomplishments was serving as president of The Law Association for Asia and the Pacific from 2011 to 2013. She was the first Singaporean and woman to helm the regional organisation of lawyers, judges, jurists and legal organisations in its then 40 or so years.

Das was known for championing various causes such as women, family and children issues through her work with women advocacy groups, which include the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) and the Zonta Club of Singapore.

She was the president of SCWO between 2014 and 2016, where she led the group to take part in the Commission on the Status of Women, a global intergovernmental body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women, among others.

TIRELESS IN HELPING WOMEN AND CHILDREN

In a tribute on its Facebook page, SCWO said that Das will always be remembered for her passion and tireless service in helping vulnerable women and children.

“As an expert in family law, Mal often went beyond her call of duty to ensure the well-being of her clients, especially when they experienced domestic violence."

She was also well-known as a gifted speaker who represented Singapore at conferences and gave rousing speeches on issues such as violence against women and gender equality, SCWO said.

“We have lost a dedicated advocate whose efforts made an impact on our push for women’s progress and empowerment. Malathi’s contributions will always be celebrated and remembered.”

Agreeing, Aware president Margaret Thomas who also knew her as a fellow member of the SCWO board, described Das as generous and a good sport.

She recalled how a group of them from SCWO was on a regional trip several years ago and was taken to a Sea World show.

“They asked for volunteers for one of the acts and Mal immediately stood up and then gamely took part in what turned out to be an act involving hula hoops – much to the amusement of the entire audience,” Ms Thomas said.  

Mr Delane Lim, executive director of Character and Leadership Academy, said that Das would always go the extra mile for others.

Mr Lim, who worked closely with Das and the Zonta Club in the last five years to co-organise forums for young people to raise their awareness of violence against women, bullying and mental health issues, said that she had defied the odds to attend his wedding a month ago.

She had suffered a stroke that impaired her vision several months before that, he said.

Mr Lim added that this is the second loss suffered by the Zonta Club, whose former president Wee Wan Joo died about three weeks ago. Wee also served as the president of SCWO between 2006 and 2008.

“These two women opened my eyes to the plight women face in Singapore and changed my perspective on the importance of women empowerment. They made me realise that there is a need to empower women and better protect them,” he said, adding that he is now an ardent supporter of the cause.

COMMITTED PROFESSOR, LEADER IN THE FRATERNITY

In a tribute to Das on its Facebook page, the Faculty of Law in National University of Singapore (NUS Law) said that Das has helped to shape and influence the law and its practice.

Das joined the faculty as an adjunct professor, teaching family law in 2020, and was also the subject coordinator for a family law course at the Singapore Institute of Legal Education.

Emeritus Professor Leong Wai Kum, who was Das’ teacher on family law, said: "I saw her grow into a fine practitioner in this field. She was equally committed to establishing links with organisations that worked on researching child and family law in the region."

Professor David Tan, who was vice-dean of academic affairs at NUS Law from 2015 to June 2021 and has known Das since junior college, said: “As an adjunct professor, she had put in significant effort to ensure that the syllabus is academically rigorous and, at the same time, relevant to professional practice.

"I also had the privilege of working with her when she was the chairperson of the Publications Committee of the Law Society. She will certainly be missed."

Another lawyer who met Das through the Law Society was Mr Michael Chia, managing director of MSC Law Corporation and a council member of the society.

Mr Chia recalled how he was chastised by Das in 2009 for failing to put in his nomination to the council on time to stand for election.

“That particular year, not many lawyers volunteered to stand for council elections and the press had carried a report that suggested lawyers were not interested in the work of the Law Society.

“Mal was annoyed because she knew so many lawyers, selfless lawyers, who put in time and effort to make the profession a better place,” he said.

Das later asked Mr Chia for consent to press for him to join the council. It meant a lot to Mr Chia that a leader in the fraternity would push for him to join the council.

He worked on the council with Das and served as her assistant when she was treasurer from 2004 to 2005. He later took over Das as treasurer when she was elected vice-president in 2006.

“I learnt a lot from her and was often inspired by her passion and wisdom,” he added.

Law firm Joyce A Tan & Partners LLC, where Das had worked, on Wednesday said: “In her work, whether for clients or pro bono, Mal epitomised professional decorum and grace, values and integrity, that shone with heart and warmth.

“Her chosen field found her, many a time, with those in their darkest hour — for them, she was the angel who lit the way to hope and a fresh start. Mal’s mastery of this legal terrain provided them with the sure-footed path forward, knowing that she had their back at each twist and turn.”

Das is survived by her mother Veerappan Sarasie, brother Sham Das and sister Shila Das.