COLUMNIST James Chai has been selected as a recipient of the inaugural Fan Yew Teng Grant for Independent Writing.

He will receive a grant of RM5,000 to support the research and writing of his book on the extraordinary defiance of ordinary Malaysians against oppressive power structures. 

Chai’s work-in-progress, titled “Modern Sang Kancil Story: How Ordinary Malaysians Defied the Odds” was selected as the grant recipient by guest judge, National Literary Laureate Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh. 

“James Chai’s project begins with Malaysians’ frustration with their political masters. He states, ‘the antidote to disillusionment is hope’. This book starts from ‘hope,’ this hope. 

“The metaphor given is Sang Kancil, a small animal with a big mind and can defeat an enormous enemy. Chai portrays several characters from our multiracial Malaysian society, who fight against the power that looms over them. 

“The use of Sang Kancil (mousedeer) as a symbol of the underdog warrior is highly appropriate, and brings an element of folklore to these stories of ordinary Malaysians. All of them are the kancil – they are brave and understand how to resolve dilemmas,” said Muhammad.  

The Fan Yew Teng Grant for Independent Writing provides support to selected writers towards the completion of a work in progress. 

The grant aims to encourage Malaysian writers to create literary work (fiction and nonfiction) that affirms the spirit of independence, creative imagination, and freedom of thought and expression. The topic of the proposed work should encompass, directly or indirectly, the spirit of independence, the human condition, and freedom of thought and expression. 

The grant commemorates the independent spirit of the late Fan Yew Teng – writer, human rights advocate, teacher, union leader and MP. 

Fan believed in the power of the written word to give voice to humanity, speak truth to power, and encapsulate our human condition. 

The grant will open again for submissions in September. The grant recipient will be announced annually on May 12 in conjunction with the birthday of the late Fan. 

For further information on the Fan Yew Teng Grant for Independent Writing, contact [email protected]. – May 12, 2023.