For over 40 years, Tan Lee Bee has been a familiar presence in the corner of Malaysian TV screens, using her hands and expressions to give voice to the deaf community. On 5 March, her dedication was officially recognised when she received the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara.

Now 64, the veteran sign-language interpreter described the honour as deeply emotional.

“I feel happy, moved, I feel like crying,” Tan said after the royal investiture ceremony. “This award is not just for me, but for all interpreters who work quietly for a more inclusive Malaysia.”

Tan was among 16 recipients of the AMN, while others, including Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar and armed forces chief Gen Nizam Jaffar, were awarded the prestigious Darjah Panglima Mangku Negara (Tan Sri) title.

Tan’s journey began with love, learning sign language to communicate with her younger sister, who is deaf. Despite having no formal training, she eventually became a teacher for the deaf and, in 1994, Malaysia’s first court sign-language interpreter.

“Teaching was tough in the beginning. There were days I’d cry when my students didn’t understand,” she told FMT. But her passion kept her going.

She first appeared on Malaysian TV around 1985 on Selamat Pagi Malaysia. Her expressive signing and clear communication soon became an essential part of news broadcasts, official announcements, and even corporate videos. Tan has also worked closely with organisations that support employees with disabilities.

“When the deaf community tells me they understand me, that’s the greatest reward,” she said. “As long as I can move my hands and my mind is strong, I’ll keep interpreting. I believe it’s my calling.”

Tan’s decades-long work has brought unseen voices to the forefront and now, the nation has honoured her voice in return.