#SHOWBIZ: Former singer Maureen grateful to Sudirman, Sharifah Aini for saving her life

New Straits Times

13-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: At the peak of her popularity in the late 1970s, singer Maureen Chan said goodbye to showbiz due to health problems.
The 67-year-old former Bintang RTM 1976 finalist said in a recent interview with Berita Harian that she called it a day in showbiz on the wishes of her late husband, businessman Redzuan Yaakub, who feared for her health and well-being.
Maureen or Noor Azreen Abdullah said that she was introduced to Redzuan by veteran singer Datuk DJ Dave, who was then managed by him.
"We got married two years after we met, and he soon left his job as an artiste manager to venture into construction," said Maureen, who soon learnt that she had a heart condition and required urgent medical treatment.
"Doctors told me that I needed to undergo surgery and get a pacemaker installed. Redzuan was deeply worried about me, and he advised me to call it quits as a singer," she said.
Maureen also said that her husband was worried that "sharks" in the entertainment industry would take advantage of her, especially since she was "nice and trusting of others".
Maureen, who sang the theme song for the 1979 movie Penagih Dadah, underwent heart surgery in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore, and the late legendary singers Datuk Sudirman Arshad and Datuk Sharifah Aini helped raise funds for her medical expenses.
"Sudirman and Sharifah Aini helped Redzuan raise funds from various individuals and organisations, including football clubs. I will forever be grateful to them for saving my life," said Maureen.
Maureen, who has three children and 11 grandchildren, lost her husband five years ago.
"Now, I take care of five grandchildren at home. After Redzuan passed away, they kept me company and cheered me up.
"In my free time, I enjoy watching Tamil films because most of them portray the realities of Asian life," said Maureen.