"Kusangka aur di pinggir tebing, Kiranya tebu di pinggir bibir, Kusangka jujur pancaran batin, Rupanya palsu penghias zahir" - does it ring a bell?.
Well! the lyrics were from the song 'Tak Seindah Wajah' rendered by legendary Malaysian singer Tan Sri SM Salim and dearly remembered not only by his fans but also fellow artistes.
Popular singer and composer Datuk M. Nasir said SM Salim was always in his element each time he rendered a song, especially classical Malay songs and the profound melancholy in his voice has pierced the hearts of listeners - young and old.
"No one can ever replace this gem of a singer and his loss will be deeply felt," he said when contacted by Bernama here today.
Nasir who had collaborated with the singer through the song "Seloka Cak Kun Cak" described SM Salim as a very jovial person and a good friend.
SM Salim, 88, died in his Ukay Perdana home due to old age at 5.45pm today after slipping into a critical condition since early yesterday morning.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's pop singer-songwriter Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin through her Instagram account '@ctdk', said the loss of the man whom she had regarded as a father was deeply felt not only by her but the local music industry.
"He was like a father who was forever giving advice, sharing good examples and knowledge which can benefit young people like me and other artistes," said Siti who had sung several duets with SM Salim among which was 'Pandang-pandang, Jeling-jeling'.
Siti said they shared many memorable experiences with the late SM Salim who was also witty and always willing to teach.
The songstress who is currently on a business trip to Jakarta, Indonesia offered her condolences to SM Salim's family.
For 60s singer Datuk A. Rahman Hassan, he would definitely miss SM Salim's birthday greetings to him because they shared the same birth date which is July 30.
"We had been very close for the last 32 years. He was never stingy with his knowledge and was very humble although he was far more experienced than many other artistes," said Rahman the man who organised a special concert to pay tribute to Tan Sri SM Salim last February.
He said yesterday (Dec 28) was the last time they met and when he whispered in SM Salim's ear, he responded with his finger movements.
Meanwhile, journalist and writer Tan Sri Johan Jaafar said SM Salim's involvement in the entertainment industry spanning over six decades was like a great big shining star in the Malay entertainment world.
"He brought new life to old classical songs, traditional tunes including zapin. He was also comfortable with the modern beat and had his own style. SM Salim was unique and special," he said.
Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said SM Salim's persistence in championing local traditional music had left an indelible mark to the young, making him a musical reference for the future.
He said the new generation should emulate SM Salim's determination so that the Malay arts and culture would be preserved.
"On behalf of the association I would like to convey our condolences to SM Salim's family," he said.
Malaysian Artiste Association (Seniman) secretary-general Hafiz Nafiah also expressed grief over the loss of the local legendary artiste and pioneer of traditional Malay songs, who had never failed to entertain.
Meanwhile, social media platforms such as Instagram were inundated with condolences from netizens and local celebrities among them Faizal Tahir, Erra Fazira and Amar Baharin. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Dec 29 2016
Siti Nurhaliza said the loss of the man whom she had regarded as a father was deeply felt not only by her but the local music industry.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.