Inspiration can come from anywhere and from anyone for that matter, and that’s how Koshy spent her entire career serving in the police force for a worthy cause.
Emily Koshy, Malaysia’s first female police officer, paved the way for women to join the police force on 8th October, 1955. Upon passing her examination with flying colours during her tertiary education, she dreamt what most good young women of her generation did – a good married life but an advertisement in the New Straits Times had changed her entire outlook and future plans.
In 1955, the government was recruiting probationary female inspectors, the advertisement drew the attention of Koshy which ultimately led her in becoming one of the country’s first female police inspectors. In the same year, Koshy along with three Malay and three Chinese women, joined the police force. They were also granted free room and board as well as a monthly salary of $200.
Those new recruits were instructed to start their daily morning routine at 7am every day for an hour of vigorous training or marching, supplemented by lectures from 9am to 1pm on subjects like criminal justice, legal processes, and police investigation.
Furthermore, Koshy had the privilege of leading a platoon of female police officers in the first-ever Merdeka parade. Having specialised in crime prosecution, the diligent officer spent most of her time in investigating criminal trials in the lower courts and there were convicts with various offences brought under her jurisdiction for crimes such as burglary, rape, murder, molest and domestic abuse.
She had successfully solved many domestic abuse cases against women and children. Koshy served in Malacca for a couple of years and was promoted to Assistant Superintendent before transferring to KL to work at the police training centre.
Her tremendous contributions in the police force was recognised by the government. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong awarded Koshy with the Ahli Mangku Negara medal along with the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian Melaka medal awarded by the Malacca state government.
Koshy who turned 87 this year, served under the Film Censorship Board for seven years after her retirement as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Part of what drives many successful females are inspiring, encouraging—and badass. Let’s take Koshy as an example if you need a solid pick-me-up to endure when the inevitable happens.
