Johan Ariffin Samad said Farida was a vocal G25 member who was never afraid to voice her opinion “against all odds”.

“She had great concerns about our nation’s well-being and had devoted her life to serving the country,” the former deputy director of Sabah Foundation told FMT.

“She has touched the hearts of many people who knew her. It’s a great loss for Malaysia.”

Lawyer and rights activist Siti Kasim described Farida as a “bold person” who strove to do her best for Malaysia.

“She always persevered in pursuing her beliefs, fearlessly voicing her opinions even when they were not widely supported within a group.

“Finding someone like her is rare. She was bold, outspoken and unafraid of consequences. She was one of a kind, which is why it is a great loss to the nation,” Siti said.

She said Farida’s death had deeply affected her personally, noting Farida’s consistent support when she was publicly criticised.

“She gave me a lot of encouragement and she was always there when I needed her the most.”

Former G25 member Tawfik Ismail hailed Farida as a vocal defender against religious extremists.

And as a diplomat, he said, Farida served the country well overseas in dealings with the European Union, using her background in law and experience in the judiciary.

“She displayed a good example of how well women are regarded and valued in Malaysian public life, internationally.”

Farida was a former Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands. She also served as a sessions court judge. She died earlier today at 76.