Meera came to Brighton College for the 6th Form but attended a BBGS (Bukit Bintang Girls School) prior to that, and is still actively involved in reunions and events. She is looking forward to embracing the role of OB Ambassador and would be delighted to hear from OBs passing through Malaysia as well as our resident community.
Meera played an instrumental role in bringing about the amendment to the Federal Constitution in Malaysia, prohibiting discrimination based on gender, and has been actively campaigning for women's rights for nearly 20 years. In September 2013 she was involved with the People's Tribunal in Malaysia against corruption in government in Malaysia.
- When you were at Brighton College, what did you want to be when you 'grew-up'?
I knew I was always vocal and so I did contemplate law. - What are you now you've grown up?
I did eventually study law and was practising as a Barrister for 15 years in commercial law as a litigator . However I now work on human rights issues in Malaysia , in particular women's rights and occasionally take up human rights cases and constitutional issues. - What is your best memory of school?
The comradeship was the best and being involved in the numerous sports activities, choir etc. - What was the best piece of advice you were given?
Cant remember any except from Mrs Grigor, our house mistress who was a strict disciplinarian. - What do you do / did you do as a career?
I am mainly a feminist activist & sometimes a lawyer. - What does your job involve?
I the President of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), The Association of Women's Lawyers and was also the former President of another NGO, The Women's Aid Organistaion which runs a shelter for battered women and their children. My work involves lobbying for law reforms and policies. - What are the most challenging parts of your job?
Challenging status quo with political parties, be it ruling government or the opposition. - What have you done that you are most proud of?
Being directly involved in a major Constitutional change on women's right. I was tasked by the women's groups in Malaysia to convince the Women's Minister in 2001 that a Constitutional amendment was needed to include that "there should be no discrimination on the basis of gender". - How would you like to be remembered?
That it should read in my epitaph " she loved life".