English book on cancer experiences gets Malay and Mandarin translations

Lead: I Will Not Go Quietly, a book written by cancer patients and and their caregivers, is now available in English, Malay and Mandarin. Photos: TheStar/Kamarul Ariffin

In 2022, I Will Not Go Quietly, a book written by 11 cancer survivors and four caregivers, was released. It chronicles the journeys faced by those affected by cancer, their difficulties and the lessons they learnt along the way.

Two years later, the creators of the book launched its Malay and Mandarin translations.

Women cancer survivor support group Pink Unity's organising chairwoman Chuah Poh Choo says shortly after the initial launch, requests for the book to be translated into these languages trickled in.

"Malay- and Chinese-speaking support groups from Melaka and Ipoh requested for the book to be translated after the English version was distributed for free to hospitals and clinics," she says.

Efforts to translate the book began earlier this year, adds Chuah, who is also a co-author.

Attendees queueing to buy the book.

"The Mandarin translation was done for free by a company called Fasih Mandarin," says Chuah. Two of Pink Unity members, Yeow Lee Mee and Vivien Toh, proofred the book in Mandarin.

The stories include Chuah's experience with the disease. "I agreed to write about my experience after receiving a call from a former Pink Unity president," she shares. "I hope the stories can help other cancer patients find positivity and hope amid their challenges."

The group then searched for a Malay interpreter before Latifah Ulfah Ismail, a former member's daughter, offered her service as a symbol of support to her mother, who is a cancer survivor.

Proofreading for the Malay translation was done by another Pink Unity member and professional legal translator, Noorunnsah Jakkaria.

Different perspective

(From left) Dr Muralitharan, Nora and Mahani at the launch of Malay and Mandarin translations of the book.

Approximately 70% of Malaysians do not speak English as their first language, according to National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) managing director Dr Muralitharan Munisamy, in his opening speech.

"Translating books like these into Malay and Mandarin offers a different but significant perspective in terms of a person's journey with cancer," he adds. "These books will help cancer patients in the country find common ground among themselves."

With the release of these stories in Malay and Mandarin, the support group and its writers hope to make people understand a cancer survivor's journey. "We want others to know that cancer is not a death sentence," Chuah says.

Pink Unity president Mahani Kassim also shares the same sentiment, hoping that these books will give its readers the strength to persevere through difficult times.

"Written from the heart, these books are more than just nonfiction," Mahani says. "These are books that offer hope and support to patients and their caregivers, so they don't feel alone and isolated in their journeys."

Also present during the launch was former Maybank Group chief human capital officer Datuk Dr Nora Manaf, who launched the Malay and Mandarin translations of the book.

"I lost my father to cancer about 40 years ago so I am grateful to be part of this initiative," Nora says.

"We have advanced so far in terms of medical technology and human support for cancer patients and survivors; it is good to see people openly showing their love for those going through this journey," she concludes.