Malaysia's 'king of pop', Datuk Jamal Ubaidillah Ali, better known as Jamal Abdillah, said he will not reject an
opportunity to be a candidate at the general election if given the chance.
Nevertheless, he said there was currently, no tendency on his part to venture into politics.
"It is up to our leadership, if they feel it is the best, it is not impossible. I like to keep up with current politics," the 57-year-old told Bernama TV after being a guest in the Ruang Bicara programme via Astro 502 here.
"...I like to read about political issues but I comment from the humanitarian angle, sometimes (one) can get quarrelsome, likes to point fingers at others...we, from other fields see ourselves as ordinary human beings," said Jamal.
Also present in the programme was Bernama chairman Datuk Azman Ujang and host, Datuk Dahlan Maamor.
Broaching on his involvement during the Sarawak state election, Jamal said he performed on stage during the campaigning at several locations, including in Limbang, Lawas and Kuching.
He added he also delivered several songs in the Iban language to fulfill the request of residents in the area.
"I also sang Iban songs too, because there are many Ibans there so I try to meet their requests," he said.
On which local artistes he was impressed with, Jamal listed Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Yuna and Shila Amzah, because according to him, they had succeeded in promoting their songs internationally.
Jamal said he was lucky being talented, and with a voice which made him popular.
On his son, Osama Yamani, 15, who was taking after him in singing, he said he did not detect his son's talent until he saw a YouTube video uploaded by the teenager's school.
"I see he is a fan of his father as he emulated my stye. He plays musical instruments at the art school he is studying at, in Johor Bahru. Nevertheless, I still advised him to place importance on study and music.
"Indeed, I see a lot of improvement, he can already read the score, play instruments, but I still remind him on the importance of pursuing skills besides solid academic studies," said Jamal who has acted in six films.
Bernama
Wed Apr 13 2016

Jamal performing at Istana Budaya last Feb 27. The veteran entertainer says he likes to read up on politics but reserves his comments from a humanitarian angle to avoid arguments. - BERNAMApic/Files

What happened in Philippine drug war that led to Duterte's arrest?
Here are some facts about the drug war during Duterte's presidency from 2016 to 2022.

Soccer - Manchester United plans to build 'world's greatest stadium'
Manchester United plans to build a new 100,000-seat stadium next to the existing Old Trafford, the club announces.

Meta begins testing its first in-house AI training chip
Meta is working with Taiwan-based chip manufacturer TSMC to produce the chip, according to sources.

Russia says it wants united and 'friendly' Syria
Russia has two strategically important military bases in Syria, which it is hoping to retain in the wake of Assad's fall.

Musk says juggling DOGE and CEO jobs is difficult, as Tesla shares slump
Elon Musk says he is running his businesses "with great difficulty" while working with the Trump administration.

Philippine ex-leader Duterte long defiant on deadly drug war
Before becoming president, Rodrigo Duterte earned the nicknames "The Punisher" and "Duterte Harry" for his violent anti-drug crackdown.

Ismail Sabri probe: 36 witnesses finish giving statements to MACC, 23 others to be summoned
A MACC source said 23 other witnesses have also been identified and would be summoned to give their statements soon.

Westin Hotels marks World Sleep Day with wellness-focused offerings
With a growing demand for sleep tourism and wellness travel, Westin aims to solidify its position as a leader in holistic hospitality.

Govt wants local experts to help improve national cyber security - PM's press secretary
Tunku Nashrul Abaidah says the government has high confidence in local expertise to face cybersecurity challenges.

Philippines' ex-President Duterte arrested at ICC's request over 'drugs war', government says
Rodrigo Duterte was arrested upon his arrival at a Manila airport and the ex-leader is now in custody, the office of the president said.
![[COLUMNIST] Lighting up lives: How solar power is transforming Orang Asal villages in Sabah [COLUMNIST] Lighting up lives: How solar power is transforming Orang Asal villages in Sabah](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2025-03/81741682061_tbOrangAslisolar.jpg)
[COLUMNIST] Lighting up lives: How solar power is transforming Orang Asal villages in Sabah
For years, families in these villages relied on diesel generators, but the high cost of fuel and maintenance meant electricity was a luxury.

Court postpones verdict in Aliff Syukri obscene content case to March 14
Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman faces four charges of uploading obscene content on his Instagram account in 2022.

Trump says he will buy a 'new Tesla' to show support for Musk
Tesla's market capitalisation has more than halved since hitting an all-time high of $1.5 trillion on December 17.

Tanker hired by US military ablaze off UK after hit by container ship
The ship is carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a toxic chemical used mainly in gold mining, and an unknown quantity of alcohol.

Failure to pay PTPTN loan: UMNO Youth supports proposal to ban borrowers from overseas travel
UMNO Youth chief says the borrowers involved must be responsible in settling their debts with PTPTN for the sake of future generations.

Pope Francis no longer faces immediate danger, responding to treatment, Vatican says
The Vatican says pope's doctors decided to lift an earlier "guarded" prognosis, meaning the pontiff was no longer in immediate danger.

AI Revolution: Will Malaysia’s workforce sink or swim?
AI is no longer a distant concept, it is actively transforming industries, reshaping job markets, and redefining the skills needed.

Dalai Lama says his successor to be born outside China
Beijing insists it will choose his successor, but the Dalai Lama says any successor named by China would not be respected.

US judge says Musk's DOGE must release records on operations run in 'secrecy'
The ruling, the first of its kind, marks an early victory for advocates pushing DOGE to be more transparent about its role in mass firings.

How to Get to Merdeka 118: Your Complete Guide
Heres everything you need to know about getting there efficiently.