Local artistes mourn loss of legendary crooner SM Salim

"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