Kee Thuan Chye


Kee Thuan Chye is a Malaysian actor, dramatist, poet and journalist. Acting in theatre, films, and on television for more than 40 years, he continues to do so. In 1981, Kee co-founded the theatre group, KAMI, in Kuala Lumpur. A noted civil rights activist, he would express in his plays whatever he could not express through the newspapers under Malaysia's repressive Printing Presses and Publications Act. For speaking out without fear or favour, Kee was among the first recipients of The Annexe Heroes Freedom of Expression Awards when it was launched in 2008.
Although social reengineering under the New Economic Policy had already begun after the 13 May Incident of 1969, it became more pronounced after Mahathir bin Mohamad became Prime Minister in 1981. At the New Straits Times, Kee Thuan Chye received numerous memos from his editor-in-chief for trying to push the parameters and opening up public discourse on what was deemed 'sensitive' issues. Firmly believing that the responsibility of a journalist to the public is to inform them of the truth, he had to battle with his superiors and as a consequence, he was often punished, marginalised, and shut out. In 1988, Kee received his master's degree in drama from the University of Essex, after being awarded a British Council Fellowship for postgraduate studies in England.
In 2001, Kee Thuan Chye became an Associate Editor of The Star in Kuala Lumpur, creating and editing the English column, , until retirement in May 2009. His Sunday Star column, Playing The Fool, which he began in April 2007, ran for only two instalments before it was cancelled. In his inaugural article, Kee had written that he would be speaking out frankly on social and political issues, without fear or favour. His second article, hitting out at racial discrimination in Malaysia, was published but when it came to his third article, the editors got jittery and suppressed it. The Star finally decided to terminate the column after Kee submitted his fourth article.

Civil rights advocacy

Kee Thuan Chye's political awakening began when he could not afford to pursue his master's degree unless he had a tutor's position. He applied for the post at Universiti Sains Malaysia, his alma mater, and although he was the top student in his class, the job was given to someone else. Kee then joined the now-defunct National Echo as literary editor where he created the page Culture Scene and wrote editorials on political and other issues. Moving from Penang to Kuala Lumpur to join the New Straits Times in the late 1970s, he saw more clearly how race had been politicised to divide the people. Mahathir Mohamad who had become the Prime Minister in 1981 was becoming increasingly dictatorial and would tolerate no criticism of him and his government in the media.
What Kee Thuan Chye could not express through the newspaper, he eventually expressed in his plays. 1984 Here and Now which spoke out frankly against Big Brother and institutionalised racial discrimination, played to full houses in 1985, followed, amongst others, by The Big Purge which brazenly satirises Mahathir and Operation Lalang.
In the aftermath of the 2008 general elections, Kee Thuan Chye rushed out his book March 8: The Day Malaysia Woke Up in a record three months, due to the topicality of the subject matter. This was followed by March 8: Time for Real Change in 2010.
Between 2008 and 2018, Kee wrote a total of 10 books about the Malaysian political scene, as part of his attempts to create awareness among Malaysians of the need for political change and a better Malaysia.
He finally realised the fruits of his struggle at Malaysia’s 14th general election on May 9, 2018, when the seemingly invincible incumbent coalition, Barisan Nasional, was voted out after having held power for 61 years. It was a historic phenomenon that few people expected. But it happened largely because of the efforts put in by Malaysians who wanted change and worked hard to make it come about.
To commemorate this historic event and also pay tribute to the efforts of everyday Malaysians who had endured the oppressive rule of Barisan Nasional for many years and struggled to kick it out, Kee threw himself into writing a thoroughly researched book that captures the drama of their struggle starting from the time of the 13th general election and building up to the climax of the 14th general election. From despair to hope to euphoria.
Entitled The People’s Victory, it is a narrative full of intrigue, dramatic twists and turns, and guts, sweat and tears. It is also an important document, and a labour of love undertaken by Kee for his country.

Filmography

Films

Television

Kee Thuan Chye has appeared in many television dramas, including:
YearTitleRoleRemarks
2018The Fifth FloorWong Meng TeckSingapore TV series
2017B R ASenior DoctorSingapore TV series
2017My Mother's StoryFather-in-lawSingapore TV miniseries
2016Fine TuneRoger WongSingapore TV series
2015Code of Law Justice Peter LohSingapore TV series
2015The Circle HouseTan Hock ChuanSingapore TV-movie
2014Mata Mata Tan Eng ChyeSingapore TV series
2013Code of Law Justice Peter LohSingapore TV series
2012Code of Law Justice Peter LohSingapore TV series
2011The Pupil Justice Peter LohSingapore TV series
200910 Liew8-episode TV drama series
2009Mr Siao's Mandarin ClassRobert TohTV sitcom
2008Marcus OwyangLead role in Singapore TV-movie, shot in Siem Reap, Cambodia
2008Secrets of the Forbidden CityXia YuanjiRole of Minister of Revenue to Emperor Yongle, in the dramatised documentary for the BBC and the History Channel
2008Bilik No. 13Ah KeongLead role in one episode of Malay miniseries
2007Marco Polo: Discovery of the WorldHallmark TV-movie
2007Sadiq and CoJudgeGuest role in Malay TV series
2007Gol & Gincu Mr WeeGuest role in TV series
2006RealitiDavid YeohTV series
2006Impian IlyanaIlyana's bossGuest role in Malay TV series
2004Singapore Shakes! David Setoh'Seventh Month' episode of the Singapore series
2004PerceptionsVictor WongMain-cast member in the 13-episode Singapore series
2003Each OtherRonnie NgSemi-regular role in the 13-episode drama series
2002KopitiamKok HuiGuest role in one episode of the 3rd season
2002Love Matters: The Marriage FactorDaddySingapore telemovie
2001Phua Chu Kang Pte LtdLim Pek KongGuest role in one episode of the Singapore sitcom
2000Teh Tarik Dot ComVinceMain cast member of the 13-episode sitcom
1999KopitiamMajor LimGuest role in one episode of sitcom
City of the RichHan LeeMain cast member in the 200-episode series
1984MariaPeterMalay TV-movie
1977Bailey's BirdMing HoGuest role in German-Australian TV series

Plays

Writing and Directing for Theatre

Acting in Theatre

Scriptwriting for television