CHENNAI: Thangasvari Suppiah never lived in Tamil Nadu but this Tamil woman speaker of Perak state in Malaysia has a special regard for the state from where her ancestors migrated to Malaysia years ago.She says she is firmly rooted in the culture and tradition of Tamils. And it's this strong bondage with one's ancestral land that gives her strength and freedom. Apparently, Thangasvari is today an efficient Tamil woman speaker who handles the male-dominated Perak assembly with a sheer sense of courage and willpower.
A prominent leader of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Thangasvari has been working for the welfare of the Tamils in Malaysia for more than 40 years. It was on August 9, 2016 that Thangasvari was elected as speaker of Perak state legislative assembly .Probably , she may be the only Tamil woman who has been chosen as speaker of a legislative assembly outside India.
A teacher-advocate, she is at ease with politics. "While working as a teacher, I learnt a lot from my male bosses. So I behave like a man in the assembly," she said.
How does Thangasvari rate Indian women politicians, particularly former chief minister of Tamil Nadu? "J Jayalalithaa worked hard to emerge as a successful leader. But she never allowed a second level leader to grow. It was a big mistake. And the cadres are confused today due to this," said Thangasvari, adding, "One must allow one's party to grow. If not, the party will definitely die in the course of time."
However, Thangasvari is hopeful about the growing power of the youth in today's political and social set-up. "The power of youth is emerging.And it's a matter of time," she said. Thangasvari has been working for the welfare of women in Malaysia for long.But she feels that many women in Malaysia, particularly, the Tamils there, are unaware of their rights. "It's unfortunate that many women are not aware of their rights. But at the same time, I am sure things are changing. And no one can deny power to women," said Thangasvari, who was in the city to visit some ancient temples in the state.
Despite being a Muslimdominated country when it comes to population, religious freedom is high in Malaysia, according to the 68-year-old speaker. "The Malay government gives a lot of money for constructing temples, but it's our own people who create problems there," she said.
She said lack of education was the biggest problem in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu."The people, mainly women, blindly follow a leader. It happens mainly because of lack of education. It's high time we educated people in the rural pockets of the state," she said.
