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Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Tributes pour in for veteran actor Mano Maniam
Mano Maniam, who died at age 79, was a cherished star of stage and screen. (YouTube pic) PETALING JAYA : Veteran Malaysian actor Veteran Malaysian actor Mano Maniam , star of stage and screen, died last night at age 79. As news broke of his passing, members of the performing arts community have come out to pay tribute to a treasured performer. Faridah Merican, the First Lady of Malaysian theatre, recalled their very first play together back in the 1970s. 'It was called 'He Who Gets Slapped', directed by Joy Zinoman. Mano played my father, and he gave his all, as he did with every role,' she told FMT Lifestyle. 'I worked with Mano for over a lifetime. He touched many lives with his roles in theatre. We were just talking about having a theatre show for seniors, and it is a pity we won't get to do it. 'The Malaysian arts scene will miss a great performer. May he rest in peace.' On the set of 'Kopitiam' with co-stars including Douglas Lim. (Double Vision pic) Theatre director and artistic director of The Actors Studio Joe Hasham, added: 'Mano was an amazing actor, and a wonderful human being. He lived a full and wonderful life, which we should celebrate.' Actor, comedian and musician Douglas Lim, who co-starred with Mano in the sitcom 'Kopitiam', considered Mano one of his primary mentors when he started doing television work 30 years ago. 'Mano was always passionate about the arts and the environment,' Lim said. 'In my eyes, he will always be the free-spirited, adventure-loving, caring and generous Uncle Mano.' Sabera Shaik, executive producer of Masakini Theatre, said Mano was a long-time friend with whom she had countless hour-long phone conversations. Mano, seated next to Hollywood actress Jodie Foster, on the set of the film 'Anna and the King'. (Mano Maniam pic) 'He was and will always be cherished as a formidable director, and actor who did Shakespeare proud. But Mano was not only an actor, he was an intrepid traveller who enjoyed exploring the world, discovering geographical marvels and meeting people. 'Above all, he was a wonderful friend who loved to laugh at himself, and laughed with you and never at you.' Actor Colin Kirton, who worked with Mano in 'Natra: The Musical' (2004) and a staged reading of theatrethreesixty's 'Death of a Salesman' in 2016, will always remember Mano's humility. 'In spite of his accolades and how highly he was viewed in the arts scene, what stands out to me was his character. He was the most humble, down-to-earth man – a true gentleman.' Mano accompanied by former 'Kopitiam' co-star Joanna Bessey (middle) and theatrethreesixty artistic director Christopher Ling, with teachers and students from SM Convent Bukit Nanas in 2014. (theatrethreesixty pic) Director, actor and animal activist Nicole Ann-Thomas concurred, calling Mano 'well-loved and kind'. 'He was always ready to share his experiences and stories with anyone who was willing to listen – and there were many of us,' she said. 'Thank you Mano. Rest well now.'
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
FAM president dismisses separation claims, says clubs and FAs remain united to boost Malaysian football
PETALING JAYA, May 31 — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has stressed that ties between state football associations (FAs) and football clubs (FCs) have never been severed, but instead continue to be strengthened through a more holistic approach to ensure healthier development of football at the state level. FAM president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub said the perception that FAs and FCs operate separately is inaccurate, as most clubs are still owned by the respective FAs, and working relationships remain intact. 'It is sometimes just assumptions made on the ground due to current issues, especially with salary problems. People tend to think there's no working relationship between the FA and FC. 'But that's not true. In reality, most FCs are still under the ownership of FAs, so FAs remain responsible for the well-being of these clubs,' he said after a meeting with top leadership of FAs and FCs at Wisma FAM yesterday. On the engagement session, Joehari expressed confidence that FAM's new approach has been positively received by all stakeholders involved. 'Very good. It has always been positive. That's why, as president, my new approach will involve more frequent meetings between FAs and FCs. 'We ourselves will go down to every state to meet and have dialogues with all of them regularly,' he added. He also said that FAM and the Malaysia Football League (MFL) will continue to work closely and take a more aggressive approach to ensure that club management is carried out in a more structured and responsible manner. 'That's why we're having this meeting today, to ensure the involvement of both FAs and FCs. Together, they can combine efforts to make state football healthier. That is one of the key methods we will employ,' he said. In a separate development, Mohd Joehari praised the outstanding performance of national young talent Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, who impressed in Malaysia's friendly match against Cape Verde on Tuesday (May 29), proving that local players possess the quality to compete at the international level. 'Ubaidullah was named Man of the Match, which even he didn't expect, and neither did we. I believe the media is well aware of his development, which began during the national project squad when I was the team manager. It's truly a proud moment,' he said. In the match held at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras, Harimau Malaya displayed strong fighting spirit to hold Cape Verde, the world's 72nd-ranked team, to a 1-1 draw. Mohd Joehari also said that head coach Peter Cklamovski will soon make an announcement on the status of heritage player Rodrigo Holgado and whether he will be included in Malaysia's squad for the second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10 in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Veteran actor Mano Maniam from Kopitiam dies, aged 79
Actor, director and writer Mano Maniam was already a household name in the local theatre scene when he achieved national fame through the sitcom, Kopitiam, which was aired on TV3. PETALING JAYA : Mano Maniam, a veteran of stage and screen, and best known for his role as Uncle Chan in the English-language sitcom Kopitiam, has died at the age of 79. Born on Nov 15, 1945, Mano was a prominent figure in the local arts scene for decades, known for his work as an actor, director, drama teacher, voiceover artist and writer. His brother, Madi Maniam, said Mano passed away in his apartment last night. He had been living alone. 'It happened all of a sudden. It could be due to old age, heart attack or even a stroke. We're still not sure. 'We only got to know about his passing later. We're making the necessary funeral arrangements now and will announce the details later,' Madi told FMT. He said while Mano preferred his privacy and lived independently, he remained close to his family. 'He lived a full life. He valued his freedom but always stayed connected with us, with my family, his nephews and nieces,' he said. Mano was already a household name in the local theatre scene when he rose to national fame through Kopitiam, which aired from 1999 to 2003 on TV3. His portrayal of the wise and affable Uncle Chan made him a familiar and beloved face in Malaysian households. The popular sitcom also starred Douglas Lim, Rashid Salleh, Joanna Bessey, Lina Teoh and Chew Kin Wah, among others. He also had roles in the Hollywood blockbuster, Anna and the King, and Netflix series Marco Polo, as well as starred in several local English and Tamil dramas on TV. Mano continued to remain active in the arts well into his 70s, doing voiceover work and teaching acting to senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). 'He was still doing voiceovers, recently,' Madi said. Madi also shared that Mano was scheduled to receive an award this evening at the HGH Convention Hall in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his cultural contributions to the Indian community and to the Malaysian performing arts. 'He was preparing for it and had his suit already laid out. This evening, he will be there in spirit,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
PKR to consider unity govt partners' input on Tengku Zafrul's membership bid
PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh said Tengku Zafrul Aziz's application, if accepted, will go through the central leadership council. PETALING JAYA : PKR will consider input from grassroots members and its partners in the unity government when evaluating any membership application, including one from Tengku Zafrul Aziz, says party secretary-general Fuziah Salleh. Fuziah said the party has not received any official application from Tengku Zafrul despite his statement on social media indicating his intention to join PKR. 'For the record, all applications to join PKR must be submitted online,' she said in a statement today. 'Each application will go through the usual process. Once submitted online, it will be processed and tabled at a central leadership council (MPP) meeting. 'The application will be duly considered before a decision is made, taking into account various perspectives, including those of our partners in the unity government and opinions from the grassroots.' Tengku Zafrul, the current investment, trade and industry minister, had announced his resignation from Umno and said he would be applying to join PKR, citing 'compatibility and suitability'. He was previously an Umno Supreme Council member and head of the Kota Raja Umno division. Tengku Zafrul was appointed as a senator and minister under the administrations of Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Anwar Ibrahim. He contested the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat in the last general election, but did not win. Fuziah also extended well wishes to Tengku Zafrul, who is set to perform the hajj pilgrimage this season. 'PKR prays for his safe journey and return,' she said in the same statement.
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
South Korean star Park Bo-gum returns to KL on September 13 for ‘Be With You' fan meeting
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Park Bo-gum fans, mark your calendars — the beloved South Korean actor is returning to Kuala Lumpur on September 13 for a one-night-only fan meeting that promises plenty of heart, charm and possibly a song or two. The event, part of his 'Be With You' fan meeting tour, will take place at the Idea Live Arena in 3 Damansara in Petaling Jaya. Organised by iMe Malaysia, the meet-and-greet will be Park's final stop after swinging by Manila and Bangkok. Ticketing details, including seating plans, are expected to drop soon. Park, 31, is no stranger to Malaysian fans. His last visit was back in 2019, when he memorably sang a heartfelt rendition of Innuendo's 'Belaian Jiwa', instantly winning over the local crowd. Now, six years later, he's ready to reconnect with fans — and no doubt make some new ones — fresh off the success of his latest hit When Life Gives You Tangerines on Netflix. The actor, known for his warmth on and off screen, shot to fame with dramas like Reply 1988 and Love In The Moonlight, and has since established himself as a leading man in K-drama and beyond. Not just an actor, he's also a recording artist with albums in both Korean and Japanese under his belt. Whether you've followed his career since the Reply days or just discovered him through Gwan-Sik's quiet strength in Tangerines, this is your chance to see Park Bo-gum in person — and maybe even hear him sing live again.
