Revered Malaysian author and academic K.S. Maniam dies at 78


The late K.S. Maniam reading his work at the launch of 'Ronggeng-Ronggeng: Malaysian Short Stories' at Merdekarya, Petaling Jaya in December 2019. Photo: Handout

Award-winning local author and academic K.S. Maniam, known for his novels The Return and In A Far Country, died of cancer of the bile duct this afternoon (Feb 19) at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre in KL. He was 78.

Maniam (born Subramaniam Krishnan) was revered in the local literary scene, and widely remembered as a thought-provoking writer who shaped the course of Malaysian literature. While many of his works touched on the plight of the Malaysian Indian community and marginalisation; his themes, characters and stories were also praised for their universal appeal.

Save 30% and win Bosch appliances! More Info

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
KS Maniam , Author , Playwright , Theatre , Academic , Books

Next In Culture

Hong Kong museum puts Picasso in cross-cultural dialogue
More chumps than champs: Were the original Champions Marvel's worst superteam?
Weekend for the arts: 'Meet Us At The Ridge' exhibit, UR-MU's Bazar Seni Adilfitri
Ethiopia’s ancient instrument finds new life, healing through timeless melodies
Kebaya opera, Randai Macbeth, corporate zombies make the 20th 'Cammies' nominee list
A small British press gambled on experimental books - and it paid off
Revisiting a Super-story for the ages: 'For the Man Who Has Everything'
San Diego Comic Con comes to Europe for the first time
The one where Daredevil regained his sight, 40 years ago
'The New Yorker', a US institution, celebrates 100 years of goings on

Others Also Read