Catherine Chih, daughter of the late Chi Mei Si, fondly recollects the memories of her late mother and her previous experiences, which motivated her to dedicate her life to advocating for the betterment of women. For the works she had spearheaded, whether it was through education, charity, or political works, the impact she had made is undeniable and remains something to appreciate and remember.
Catalyst for change
This is the final instalment of a three-part series on the legacy of the late Chi Mei Si.
When asked to describe her strong-headed mother, the late Chi Mei Si, Catherine Chih said, “Mum was a math teacher, so to her, every problem must have a solution. She always has this very logical way of thinking, so in hindsight, I would that she was all about problem-solving.”
Chi lived most of her life from 1922 to the early 2000s fighting for the rights of women. She grew up amidst poverty and injustices for the female population in China, which is why she strives to advocate for the betterment of women to be independent, visionaries and to ensure education for their children. To her, these were the ways to elevate the status of women within society.
After setting up the SUPP Wanita Section in 1978 and the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Women’s Association in 1983, Chi fought to ensure that women could receive fair treatment in inheritance by amending the Chinese Inheritance Law. The arduous journey took her six years to complete, before the women in Sarawak could enjoy equal status.
Irene Yong, who has followed Chi since the SUPP Women Wing’s days, regards the Iron Lady as an impressive woman. “To be honest, I don’t really remember any wise words from her, but the only thing I noticed is that she is very hardworking. Among all my mentors, she was the most impressive to me. I just watch her, and I think everything she says or does is very powerful.”
Retiring after hard years of work
When Chi retired in the 1990s, Yong recalled Chi’s eldest son being concerned for her health and well-being. “Her son calls her almost every day to persuade Chi to retire. Soon after, she sold all her belongings and moved back to Sibu.”
Once she had retired, Chi’s daughter, Chih, said that her mother spent her days tending her garden at home. “She also sewed some of her pyjamas after I taught her to do patchwork when she visited me in Perth. We also spent a lot of time travelling, and our favourite cities were Vancouver, New York and Shanghai.”
In 2001, Chi returned to Shanghai with Chih and met two girls studying at her alma mater. “My mother had paid for the girls’ scholarships at the university, as they were previously students from her school — McTyeire High School, Shanghai.”
In describing the moment, Chih stated that her mother has always had the penchant to help women in need. Chi had seen firsthand during the war how many women and children had borne the brunt of the chaos because of their lowered status. Many had suffered in poverty, with no money to feed their children, let alone themselves.
During Chi’s time in Sarawak, she saw a lot of women give up their education early to work odd jobs in order to help support their families. She had also seen women not get an education because it was deemed unnecessary.
Remembering mom
Chi passed away in 2005 due to stomach cancer. During that time, many mourned the loss of a strong female figure who has left a legacy in many hearts. Through her, many women were motivated to strive to be better, and many more could enjoy fair status.
But beyond the gifts that she brought to the community, Chi was also a mother to her three children. Remembering her mother, Chih shared with New Sarawak Tribune what her mom was like growing up.
“She was a caring mother and a great support if I ever needed advice. She never forces us to do anything. Rather, she walks the talk. Just by being hardworking and smart, she inspired us to be who we are today,” said the BioMedical Science graduate.
“Most importantly, she never gave up on us and she expected all of us to finish our studies in university. My mother is different. She never hit me, while my other friends would usually get the rotan (cane). She had taught me that as mothers, we should be gentle, with no harsh words used. Instead, words of encouragement should be practised.”
Despite the decades that have passed since her passing, Chi remains a memorable figure to many. For the works she had spearheaded, whether it was through education, charity, or political works, the impact she had made remains something to remember — that there is a woman who fought for the well-being of other women.
Part 1: https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/an-exceptional-gift-to-children-students/
Part 2: https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/the-driving-force-behind-womens-rights-2/
