Kee Thuan Chye facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kee Thuan Chye
Born	(1954-05-25) 25 May 1954 (age 71) Penang, Federation of Malaya
Occupation	Journalist, editor, author, playwright, actor, and civil liberty advocate
Spouse(s)	Lim Choy Wan
Children	Soraya Sunitra Kee Xiang Yin (daughter), and Jebat Arjuna Kee Jia Liang (son)
Awards	The Annexe Heroes Freedom of Expression Awards 2008
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese	紀傳財
Simplified Chinese	纪传财
Transcriptions Yue: Cantonese Jyutping Gei2 Cyun4 Coi4 Southern Min Hokkien POJ Kí Thoân-châi Tâi-lô Kí Thuân-tsâi

Kee Thuan Chye (born May 25, 1954) is a well-known Malaysian actor, writer, and journalist. For over 40 years, he has acted in plays, movies, and on TV. He is also famous for speaking up for the rights and freedoms of all people in his country.

In 1981, Kee helped start a theatre group called KAMI in Kuala Lumpur. At the time, the government of Malaysia had strict rules about what newspapers could publish. Kee used his plays to talk about important topics that he couldn't write about in the news. Because he was brave enough to speak his mind, he won an award for freedom of expression in 2008.

As a journalist, Kee often tried to write about "sensitive" issues, which were topics the government preferred not to discuss. He believed it was his job to tell the public the truth. This often got him into trouble with his bosses, but he kept fighting for what he believed in.

Speaking Up for Fairness

Kee Thuan Chye became passionate about civil rights after he felt he was treated unfairly. He was the best student in his university class but was not given a teaching job he applied for. This experience made him want to fight against unfairness.

He started working as a journalist and saw how issues of race were used to divide people. He decided to use his plays to talk about these problems. His 1985 play, 1984 Here and Now, was about government control and racial discrimination (treating people differently based on their race). The play was very popular and sold out many shows.

Writing About Political Change

Kee wrote many books about Malaysian politics. He wanted to help people understand the need for positive change in their country.

A major change happened on May 9, 2018, during Malaysia's 14th general election. The political group that had been in power for 61 years, Barisan Nasional, was voted out. This was a huge event that many people had worked hard for. To celebrate this moment, Kee wrote a book called The People's Victory to tell the story of how ordinary Malaysians brought about this historic change.

Career in Film and Television

Kee Thuan Chye has acted in many movies and TV shows in Malaysia, Singapore, and for international companies.

Notable Film Roles

Television Appearances

Kee has appeared in dozens of TV series, often playing important characters like judges, doctors, and fathers. Some of his roles were in popular Singaporean shows like Code of Law and Mata Mata. He also acted in a BBC documentary about China's Forbidden City.

Work in the Theatre

Kee is a major figure in Malaysian theatre as a writer, director, and actor. His plays often explore important social and political themes.

Famous Plays

Notable Acting Roles in Theatre

Published Books

Kee has written many books, including collections of his newspaper articles, plays, and books on politics.

• The People's Victory (2019)
• Swordfish + Concubine (2018)
• Can We Save Malaysia, Please! (2014)
• The Elections ... (2013)
• No More ..., Please, We're All Malaysians (2012)
• March 8: The Day Malaysia Woke Up (2008)
• 1984 Here and Now (2004)
• Just In So Many Words (1992)

See also

In Spanish: Kee Thuan Chye para niños