Contributed by Kunamoney Kandiah
RASAMANI KANDIAH, KMN
Born: 14 July 1945, Singapore
Passed Away: 22 October 2019, Kuala Lumpur
Rasamani is remembered for her kindness, gentleness, warmth, generosity, loyalty, perseverance, and commitment to her legal career. Devotion to her family and matters of all concerns.
She was the elder to a family of eight siblings. Rasa was an amazing sister. The family has lost a sister that was decent and smart. She was a steady rock. They relied on her in times of stress and received support for their challenges in life. Family bond was of utmost importance to her. Siblings upbringing were in various regions of the country spanning from Singapore, through Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Kelantan, and finally in Kuala Lumpur.
Rasa's father, Dr. S. Kandiah served in the civil service as a Veterinary Surgeon (DMV). He retired as Deputy Director of the State Veterinary Department, Kota Bharu, in 1969 and subsequently moved to Kuala Lumpur.
Following the demise of both parents in the late seventies, she took charge of the welfare of the younger siblings and all family matters. Not only did she have the demands of her career, she was responsible for their higher education and welfare. She was particularly fond of her brother, Naya.
The untimely passing away of her brother six months ago (April 2019) and her beloved German Shepherd dog (Lord Justice King) twelve months ago had a tremendous impact on her.
She had not overcome her grief and often spoke about it.
With more than five decades (52 years) of a legal career, many of which involved litigation work and charitable causes. Her accomplishments were commendable. She still had so much more to give and to teach. She touched many people's lives. The numerous wreaths and messages of love, respect and adoration were testament to this.
She made her sisters proud, leaving several legacies. As an eminent Barrister, she used her legal platform to help support the voiceless, the ordinary people. Rasa was committed to humanity as individuals and as a group. She laboured for charitable causes. She also championed many causes. Two of which she spoke with her heart and soul especially women's rights and fighting against child abuse.
As the president of the Malaysian Ceylonese Congress, her last contribution and commitment to humanity was to initiate numerous sessions to bring cancer awareness to elderly people both male and female. She was in contact with cancer authorities in setting up cancer screening tests.
Her career path started from a young tender age. In 1963, at 18 years of age she commenced law studies at the Inner Temple (Inns of Court), London. In 1965 she completed the Bar law examination at the age of 20 years.
However, to be eligible to be called to the Bar of England and Wales, she had to attend further legal studies marking time to await to attain the age of 21. This was then a stipulated legal age requirement to be accepted to the Bar. She was consequently admitted to the Bar in July 1966.
To further broaden her legal qualifications, she went on to do a study of Islamic legal law. She obtained a Diploma in Shariah law and Practice at the University of Islamic Studies, Malaysia. Her last progressive education was doing a Masters course on international trade.
Rasamani has had an excellent training period. She spent her pupilage with prominent legal firms namely Rodyk & Davidson in Singapore, and upon completion she was admitted to the Singapore Bar in 1967. Thereafter she attended pupilage with Messrs Rithaudeen & Aziz, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and later with Messrs Khoo & Sidhu in Kuala Lumpur. She was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1968.
She commenced legal practice as a legal assistant with Messrs Khoo & Sidhu, Advocates and Solicitors, Kuala Lumpur. Thereafter she was offered a partnership with the firm. Several years later, she moved on to become a partner with Messrs Mohd. Latip & Associates located in Banting, Selangor. Here she actively practised with another senior Barrister (her sister) Ms. Kunamony Kandiah.
She held various positions for the legal fraternity/association viz:
(i) Committee member of the Selangor Bar, during the initial stage of her working career.
(ii) Association of Woman Lawyers:
Founder Member of the Association of Woman Lawyers;Treasurer of the Association (1970--1978);Secretary of the Association (1979--1985);Vice President of the Association (1986--1990); andPresident of the Association of Woman Lawyers (1991--2003).
(iii) Chairperson of the Law Commission for National Council of Woman Organization.
(iv) Appointed as Member of the National Advisory Council for Women and
Development (NACWID).
To conclude, Ms. Rasamani Kandiah (KMN) was an exemplary woman. With her sudden demise, it is a great loss not only for the family but the legal fraternity. Hopefully, the women legal professionals will continue to uphold her goals.
It is with great sadness that we record that Rasamani Kandiah, who was a partner at Messrs Mohd Latip & Assoc., Banting, Selangor, passed away on 22 Oct 2019.
Rasamani Kandiah was admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1968, and was among the 100 most senior Members of the Malaysian Bar for the past several years.
Rasamani Kandiah was admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1968, and was among the 100 most senior Members of the Malaysian Bar for the past several years.
She previously served on the Bar Council Family Law Committee. She also held several positions in the Association of Women Lawyers, including as its President.
The Malaysian Bar extends its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to her family members and loved ones.
The Malaysian Bar extends its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to her family members and loved ones.
Her remains will be brought to her residence at No 30, Jalan 14/48, Petaling Jaya tomorrow, 25 Oct 2019, at around 12:00 noon.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, 26 Oct 2019.