Remembering Yasmin Ahmad (1958–2009), critically acclaimed film-maker and the nation’s most beloved storyteller.

By Chan Siew Lian

You saw the char kuey teow seller with furrowed brow and sweaty Pagoda shirt working hard at the wok, his kids collecting dirty plates as he pondered their future. You fell in love with the bright smiles of the Indian boys in the rubber estate, a soccer ball a welcome distraction to schoolwork they didn’t understand. You embraced the warmth and generosity of the makcik at the warung, while silently weeping for a rakyat the politicians in batik suits and designer shoes have shortchanged.

But these are not the stories you told.

Instead, you showed us that love isn’t blinded by colour and race. You taught us that material success isn’t everything. You drummed into us the importance of cherishing our parents. And time and again, you reminded us that life does not go on forever; that we should forgive and make amends before it’s too late.

Thank you Yasmin, for the stories about us you told so well. Thank you for believing in us, and for giving us hope in the Malaysia we can yet become. Thank you for the stories you have given us the courage to live—and to pass on to future generations of Malaysians.

You are a giant among giants, and a true champion of the human spirit. We will miss you.

Film director and writer Yasmin Ahmad passed away on 25 July 2009 at 11.25pm after having suffered a stroke on 23 July 2009.