MCCHR mourns the passing of Malaysian contemporary artist chi too, who died on 7 March 2026.

Widely recognised in Malaysia’s contemporary art scene, chi too was also an important part of MCCHR’s early journey. During his time with MCCHR, he brought creativity and heart to how we communicated human rights. His presence and work shaped the organisation in its early years and left a lasting impact.

As friends, colleagues, and members of the arts community gather to pay their respects at his wake, we remember his spirit, his creativity, and the joy he brought to those around him.

Rest in peace, chi too.

“chi too was our very first Communications Officer. He was brought in to work on our UndiMsia! awareness-raising campaign with the Orang Asli community and youths in Hulu Langat. With creativity and flair, chi too helped us produce videos and infographics and worked with the Orang Asli community. He also redesigned our LoyarBarang and LoyarBurok websites.

I remember he hosted us in his home in an attempt to bring us under one roof for a parley session. While I do not recall if anything concrete came out of this, there was laughter and fellowship.

chi too will also be remembered for his quirky but sensible advice to staff members leaving MCCHR: ‘drink lots of water’.

My last message to him was many years ago when he was arrested while covering the Orang Asli blockade in Kelantan. He said they released him on bail because he wore them down with a lecture on the law.

We have lost a luminous talent, an activist, and a MCCHR staff member. I am profoundly honoured that he chose to work with MCCHR and grateful for the mark he left on the organisation and on me.”
— Long Seh Lih, Co-Founder & CEO of MCCHR (2015–2018)

“The last time I saw him was last year during an art exhibition. He was the coolest guy I have ever met. He used to wear a sarong blazing through PJ traffic to our then office in Bangsar Utama on a bicycle! May his soul rest in peace”
— Mazni Ibrahim, Chief Human Rights Strategist, MCCHR

“chi too was an incorrigible artist and activist. He believed deeply in the cause and constantly pushed boundaries, using unconventional approaches to communicate human rights to the masses through the arts.

He was funny, warm, and grounded, always reminding us of what we could and could not do.”
— Edmund Bon, Director, MCCHR

“chi too understood authenticity lightyears ahead of anyone I knew. He lived his truth when many of us struggled to find ourselves and thought our worth and value were determined by others. Not him. He knew.

I will always remember him arriving at work drenched in sweat after cycling for miles in the scorching heat, in his batik sarong & slippers no less. He would quickly change into a fresh tee and start work like it was no sweat at all! He was like no other.

chi too will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and integrity.”
— Ka Ea