Malaysian literary pioneer Wong Phui Nam has died aged 87

Poet Wong Phui Nam seen in 2019 with a new version of his book 'The Hidden Papyrus Of Hen-Taui'. He died last night in Kuala Lumpur aged 87. Photo: The Star/Filepic

Wong Phui Nam, one of the revered Malaysian literary pioneers who helped to shape the local English language writing scene and elevate the art of poetry in South-East Asia, died in his sleep last night in Kuala Lumpur. He was 87.

The news was confirmed by fellow poet-author Malachi Edwin Vethamani.