SM Salim promoted love, patriotism through songs - Salleh

Legendary singer Tan Sri SM Salim had during his lifetime, promoted love and unity among Malaysians through the songs he sang, said Communications and Multimedia Minister, Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.

In a statement, here, Salleh described SM Salim's demise as the loss of a precious gem in the country's music arena which was also felt by all levels of Malaysian society, from those born before the country's independence to the current generation.

He said the late SM Salim's contributions could not just be measured by the beauty of the songs he had composed, written and sung, but also by the nationalistic spirit, love, unity and patriotism promoted among multiracial Malaysians through his songs," he said.

The singer extraordinaire known for his inimitable rendition of classic Malay songs died at the age of 88 from illness associated with old age, at his residence, here, this evening.

"I think it is very difficult for us to meet or find a replacement for this legendary music personality of such calibre, discipline and uniqueness, and respected by many," said Salleh.

Salleh noted that the late SM Salim's willingness to go to Congo to entertain Malaysian soldiers serving with the United Nations peacekeeping force in the 1960s following the civil war in that African country, would never be forgotten.

"I am also proud that the late SM Salim had started his career as a part-time announcer with Radio Malaya in the 1950s until be became a permanent broadcasting staff with RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia) and had been the FM Radio Malaysia head before becoming one of the country's prominent singers," he said. -- BERNAMA