To exile and back again


sm_04shamsiah

Age has withered her and what little history books say of her, demonises her. But Shamsiah Fakeh’s life is a fascinating story of one woman’s incredible journey from freedom fighter to communist to exiled outcast.

WE had agreed to meet at her apartment. On the appointed day, I arrive at the building in Jalan Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur, which is best described as dusty, thanks to the nearby construction sites. After parking and passing through an indifferent security check, I take a lift to the eighth floor.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Columnists

Empathy and care for athletes is para-mount
Geopolitics across time and space
Shared festivities bind communities
Breaking down Premier League title race and top five battle in final stretch
Tunku’s legacy must not fade away
RCEP Green Digital Corridor: Malaysia and China’s next growth engine
Financial sovereignty: Who designs the platforms rules the future
Turning Valentine pills into everyday thrills
A surgical strike too far?
Faith and the law

Others Also Read