PSM mourns the passing of Santha Letchmy Perumal, a relentless activist, a teacher, a progressive voice and a leader of our Johor chapter.

Santha was a brave activist, always firm in her convictions. She was an extensive writer and translator of many critical works into Tamil, which was one of her core strengths.

Together with her partner, Mohan, she played a pivotal role in forming the Semparuthi 2006 movement in Johor and also contributed to the Tamil section of Malaysiakini. In 2009, Santha and Mohan started the PSM Branch in Johor, where she served as the secretary. One of her greatest achievements was being the pioneer and backbone behind the establishment of the Kaarai Fraternity Centre (KFC) in 2020, a center for student and community empowerment in Johor (Kangar Pulai).

In addition, Santha and her team played a significant role in supporting refugees from Sri Lanka and providing humanitarian aid to Tamils during the Sri Lankan civil war. She also fought against the use of SOSMA on detainees here. Santha met Mohan while she was in Teachers Training in Johor around 1999.

Santha was born in Teluk Intan on June 16, 1975. She was the eldest daughter of Perumal, a house building contractor, and Leelawathy. She had four siblings, three of whom tragically passed away before her.

Santha received her early education at SRJK Ladang Sussex, Teluk Intan, and her secondary education at SMK Dato Sagor, Langkap. She graduated from Teacher’s Training at Maktab Perguruan Mohd Khalid in Johor Bahru, where she met Mohan. They eventually married on May 27, 2001, in Mentakab, Pahang.

Santha went on to teach at several Tamil schools, including SRJK Kangar Pulai Johor, SK Sungkai, and her final posting at SK Slim River, where she taught until she was diagnosed with cancer in May 2023. Unlike many teachers, Santha continued to advocate for the upliftment of Tamil schools and played a pivotal role in the Tamil education movement in Johor.

In the last two years, Santha’s battle with cancer affected her activism. Despite receiving the best care and support from Mohan and her sister, Jaya, her condition deteriorated, and she became bedridden. Her passing may have liberated her from the continuous agony of her condition. She and Mohan fought bravely, but her journey ended at 11:44 AM at Slim River Hospital.

Santha will be deeply missed by all of us. She was a beacon of light in our struggle. Her life was short, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Comrades will miss her dearly. Our condolences to Mohan, her sister Jaya, and her parents, who have been incredibly supportive during the last few years.

May she rest in power.

S Arutchelvan
Deputy Chairperson
Parti Sosialis Malaysia
9-3-2025