Faridah Merican, the First Lady of Malaysian theatre, recalled their very first play together back in the 1970s.

“It was called ‘He Who Gets Slapped’, directed by Joy Zinoman. Mano played my father – I’m older than him, yet I played his daughter. He gave his all, as he did with every role,” she told FMT Lifestyle.

“I worked with Mano for over a lifetime. He touched many lives with his roles in theatre. We were just talking about having a theatre show for seniors, and it is a pity we won’t get to do it.

“The Malaysian arts scene will miss a great performer. May he rest in peace.”

Theatre director and The Actors Studio artistic director Joe Hasham added: “Mano was an amazing actor, and a wonderful human being. His acting was positive. His humanity was positive. Everything about him was positive.

“That’s how we’d like to remember him. He lived a full and wonderful life, which we should celebrate.”

Actor, comedian and musician Douglas Lim, who co-starred with Mano in the sitcom “Kopitiam”, considered Mano his primary mentor when he started doing television work 30 years ago.

“Mano was always passionate about the arts and the environment,” Lim said. “In my eyes, he will always be the free-spirited, adventure-loving, caring and generous Uncle Mano.”

Sabera Shaik, executive producer of Masakini Theatre, said Mano was a long-time friend with whom she had countless hour-long phone conversations.

“He was and will always be cherished as a formidable director, and actor who did Shakespeare proud. But Mano was not only an actor, he was an intrepid traveller who enjoyed exploring the world, discovering geographical marvels and meeting people.

“Above all, he was a wonderful friend who loved to laugh at himself, and laughed with you and never at you.”

Actor Colin Kirton, who worked with Mano in a staged reading of theatrethreesixty‘s “Death of a Salesman” in 2016, will always remember Mano’s humility.

“In spite of his accolades and how highly he was viewed in the arts scene, what stands out to me was his character. He was the most humble, down-to-earth man – a true gentleman.”

Director, actor and animal activist Nicole Ann-Thomas concurred, calling Mano “well-loved and kind”.

“He was always ready to share his experiences and stories with anyone who was willing to listen – and there were many of us,” she said. “Thank you Mano. Rest well now.”