In the local music industry, a mere mention of classical Malay songs as well pop ballads, a majority of us would certainly recall the name of legendary singer Tan Sri SM Salim.

Who, amongst us, have not heard songs like 'Pantun Budi' often played at weddings, and also, not to mention the famous song 'Apa Nak Jadi' and 'Pandang, Pandang, Jeling-jeling' which definitely entertained the people of all races all this years.

But now, with the death of SM Salim whose real name is Tan Sri Sheikh Salim Sheikh Mohammad Al-Mahros, the music industry and the country has lost a rare gem of Malay classical music.

SM Salim, 88, died at 5.45pm yesterday at his residence due to old age.

Thousands across the country mourned his passing and we certainly will miss his golden voice that has remained evergreen until today.

Born on July 30, 1928, and a native of Kampung Baru, here, he was the youngest of 13 siblings.

SM Salim, who began his career as an announcer at Radio Malaya (now RTM) has been in the local music industry since the 1950s.

In addition to his unique vocal, SM Salim's songs has remained in the hearts of fans due to its unique lyrics that are not only beautifully written, but also loaded with humour and advice.

Among SM Salim's memorable songs are 'Pasir Roboh' Seri Siantan','Bunga Tanjung','Joget Kasih Bermula','Mohon Kasih' and 'Selamat Tinggal Bungaku'.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, while paying his last respects at the singer's home, described SM Salim as a gifted artiste who has contributed significantly to the country's arts and broadcasting industry.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak also described SM Salim's death as a loss of a jewel that is almost impossible to be replaced.

"It would be very difficult to discover such talent or even to replace a legendary figure who possessed such high calibre in arts, music and very competent, disciplined, special and respected by members of the public like Tan Sri SM Salim," he said.

Seniman Secretary-General Hafiz Nafiah described SM Salim's death as a loss to the music industry since he was a pioneer of Malay classical songs.

Fellow musicians and friends -- both old and new -- were feeling the loss with his passing, including composer and singer Datuk M. Nasir, who described the late singer as the jewel of the country's music and arts industry.

Nasir who collaborated with SM Salim through the song 'Seloka Cak Kun' described the late singer as highly committed in expressing every words in the lyrics of his songs especially the classical Malay music and the way he rendered the songs made his vocal pierce the hearts of listeners.

SM Salim's prowess as an artist was recognised through several awards namely 'Tokoh Seni' by the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1991 and 'Anugerah Seri Wirama' in the Anugerah Industri Muzik Malaysia (AIM) in 1996.

He was also awarded the Ahli Mangku Negara by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail in 1964 for his participation in a military mission in Congo where he was responsible for entertaining the military personnel from various countries there.

In the meantime, SM Salim was awarded the Panglima Setia Mahkota which carries the title 'Tan Sri' in 2001 from the government in addition to Anugerah Biduan Negara award from the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture for his contributions in championing classical Malay songs.

He was the second artist to be awarded the title after the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee in 1962.

His artistic talent was highly appreciated by the younger generation of artistes when they invited him to collaborate with them, namely Datuk Siti Nurhaliza (Pandang-Pandang, Jeling-Jeling) Datuk Zainal Abidin (Satu), Datuk Ramli Sarip (Selapis Kasih, Sedulang Rindu), Datuk Sheila Majid (Entah Jadi, Entahkan Tidak) and Datuk Jamal Abdillah (Zaman).

Besides his singing talent as well as an artist who was never tired of championing the classical Malay music, he also received an Honorary Master of Music (Performance) from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2003.

However, he did request that his songs should not be played for at least 30 days or preferably 44 days after he passed away.

The late SM Salim is survived by his wife Puan Sri Aishah Mohd Ghani and six children. - BERNAMA