Born on 29 June 1915, Lim Phaik Gan, known as P.G. Lim, was a towering figure in the fight for social justice in Malaysia. Her journey began with an exceptional education at Cambridge University, where she trained in law, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to advocacy and public service. Known for her fierce determination and unwavering sense of justice, P.G. Lim once told The Washington Post, “If I find that something is wrong, I fight… If there is a need, I take the case, sometimes when no one else will.”
Throughout her career, Lim consistently championed the rights of the underprivileged, particularly in her work with trade unions. One of her most significant legal victories was in the landmark 1964 Railwaymen’s Union of Malaya case. As counsel, she successfully secured government employee status for 14,000 day-wage railway workers, dramatically improving their working conditions and rights.
Lim’s dedication to justice was also evident in her role in the famed 1953 Privy Council case of Lee Meng. Lee Meng, a young woman sentenced to death for being a messenger for the Communist Party. Her legal acumen and tenacity were instrumental in bringing reprieve to Lee Meng, showcasing her commitment to due process and human rights even in politically charged cases.
In 1971, P.G. Lim broke new ground as Malaysia’s first female ambassador, representing the country with distinction at the United Nations. She later served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia, Austria, Belgium, and the European Economic Community (EEC), where she was respected for her diplomatic skill and ability to navigate complex international relations.
After retiring from the diplomatic service, Lim continued to contribute to Malaysia’s legal landscape as the Director of the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration, where she played a key role in resolving disputes and promoting arbitration as an effective means of conflict resolution.
Tan Sri P.G. Lim passed away in May 2013, leaving behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and service. Her life’s work continues to inspire future generations. To delve deeper into the remarkable life of this extraordinary woman, read her autobiography, Kaleidoscope: The Memoirs of P.G. Lim. http://bit.ly/1wTNpxV