KUALA LUMPUR: With more than four decades of dedication as a sign language interpreter, Tan Lee Bee is the face seen by millions of Malaysians watching the news programmes on television.
Often seen at the corner of the television screen showing her expressive facial expressions, Tan, 64, was grateful to have been awarded the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, during the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the King’s official birthday celebration at Istana Negara yesterday.
She described the award as a great recognition for her in the “silent” struggle to convey the voices of the “voiceless”.
“I feel happy, moved; I feel like crying too... I feel very grateful,” the veteran sign language interpreter told Bernama after the ceremony.
Although the award was celebrated in a ceremonial atmosphere at the palace, for Tan, it came with long memories and the twists and turns of life in a career that received little public attention.
“This recognition is not just for me but a symbolic tribute to every interpreter who works silently for fairer inclusivity in Malaysia,” she said.
Tan’s journey as a sign interpreter began not because of ambition but because of love and empathy for her younger sister, who is deaf.
“I learnt sign language because of my sister. Then, I started working as a teacher for the deaf. I was a teacher for 17 years.
“While I was a teacher, I also served as an interpreter with the Federal Court of Malaysia,” said Tan, who also became the first court sign interpreter in Malaysia in 1994.
The contribution of the Segamat native to the world of broadcasting began earlier in 1985 when she appeared on television through the show Selamat Pagi Malaysia.
Her face and sign language actions became important visuals in news broadcasts on RTM as well as in official communication videos, advertisements and various broadcasting mediums, which played an important role in conveying information to special groups.
