Dr Sam Touched By Malaysians Of All Races Singing 'Saya Anak Malaysia'
Its singer, Salim Ibrahim, 72, better known as Dr Sam, said he was touched to see Malaysians of various backgrounds singing the song with passion whenever it was played.
'Grateful to Allah. I am moved to see that not only Malays but also Chinese and Indians sing this song together,' he said emotionally.
He recalled how, in the past, his housing area once resonated with the chant of 'Saya Anak Malaysia' when the Chinese community paraded on Aug 31 while singing the song.
Earlier, Dr Sam was a guest performer at the Launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, officiated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Bahasa Melayu here, today.
According to Dr Sam, he became emotional every time he heard schoolchildren, youth, and even university students sing the song, despite not knowing him personally.
'Although the song is 39 years old, people still sing it until now. Even the children sing it… earlier during the performance, the IPG students sang along, and I felt very emotional,' he said, admitting he almost shed tears.
Dr Sam said he never imagined that the song, composed by renowned composer Datuk M. Nasir with lyrics by S. Amin Shahab in 1986, would remain evergreen as a patriotic identity for Malaysians.
His sweetest memory was when the song was first performed at the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Auditorium, where the entire hall resounded with enthusiastic singing on the eve of National Day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
'I love Malaysia' - Cantopop superstar and Heavenly King Jacky Cheung is full of love at his sold-out and power-packed KL concert
Hong Kong Cantopop superstar Jacky Cheung has proven yet again that age is nothing but a number as he mesmerised his many fans at the packed Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil in his return to the country. The 64-year-old music legend was at his impressive best again for the highly anticipated Jacky Cheung '60+ Concert Tour' which kicked off on Friday (Aug 15). It is no wonder that the concert will be playing for six sold-out nights from Aug 15-17 and also Aug 22-24. The event, presented by Maybank and Golden Destinations, and organised by Star Planet, had the 15,000 fans at the Arena Axiata completely spellbound as the super show kicked off on Friday. The incredibly talented singer, backed by his dancing troupe, sang 30 songs throughout the three-hour show and kept the 15,000 fans singing, dancing, and swaying along to his beat throughout the night. As seen in his past concerts, fans were entertained not only by his music and songs but also with spectacular, state-of-the-art props, themes, and costumes, which had those at the venue asking for more from the very start. "I love Malaysia so much and it is good to be back here," said Jacky, who is also marking his fourth decade in the music world this year. "I'm always so happy every time I'm in KL. I love you (Malaysian fans) so much, you guys are simply amazing. KL is indeed a special place. I will be coming back to KL many times more." The six-show spectacle also marks a triumphant return for Jacky Cheung, following his sold-out run in 2023. The tour has sparked an overwhelming response across the globe, and Kuala Lumpur was no exception, with all tickets snapped up within moments of release. The overwhelming demand for tickets is a clear testament to Cheung's enduring star power. Fans from around the world also converged for this musical celebration, ready to be immersed in the electrifying energy of his live performance. 'Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour' is Jacky's tenth solo concert, encapsulating his profound reflections on life and music. '60+' is not merely a marker of age, but his profound reflections on life and music. Centered on the imagery of 'water,' it symbolises adaptability, inclusiveness, inner strength, and humility —encouraging audiences to face life's ebb and flow with serenity and resilience. The stage design also masterfully integrates lighting artistry with multimedia projection to create a rich and multi-layered sensory space for the audience. For Jacky he said this tour is more than a concert; it is a profound musical journey that links the past, present, and future, inviting all his Malaysian fans to step into his timeless musical universe. An Enduring Icon of the Cantopop Music Scene Jacky Cheung, widely celebrated as the 'God of Songs,' is an undisputed legend of the Chinese music world. His career spans decades, marked by a deeply emotive voice, heartfelt performances, and exceptional vocal mastery—making him a defining figure in both Cantonese and Mandarin pop music. As one of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' of the 1990s, Cheung has touched millions with timeless love ballads while venturing into genres such as pop, rock, and R&B. His iconic hits—such as "Farewell Kiss, Love You More Every Day, Half Moon Serenade, and A Thousand Reasons to Be Sad" — are etched into the collective memory of multiple generations. Beyond music, Cheung has excelled in film, earning industry acclaim for his nuanced acting and showcasing his versatility as an artist. Jacky Cheung remains steadfast in his passion for music, continuing to write new chapters in the legend of the 'God of Songs.' His presence represents the brilliance of an era and stands as an enduring symbol of the Chinese music scene. For the record, Jacky made his debut with the album "Smile" in 1985. It was a flying start and a super debut for the singer as the album sold more than 400,000 copies in Hong Kong alone. A total of 14 of his albums have hit platinum status. "The Goodbye Kiss" effort in 1993 is one of the best-selling albums in multiple countries in Asia, while three of his albums have sold over a million copies in Taiwan, the most out of any artist. Jacky's various accolades include the World Music Award (1996) for the World's Best-Selling Asian Artist, the Billboard Music Award (1994) for Most Popular Asian Singer, and a Guinness World Record for the largest combined audience for a live act in 12 months, with more than two million audience members in 2012. The singer , who has released more than 35 studio albums, is also the best-selling music artist of all time in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and has sold an estimated 60 million albums worldwide. Cheung has embarked on 10 concert tours during his 40-year career, including the "A Classic Tour" from 2016–2019, which ranks as one of the most-attended concert tours of all time with a total attendance of more than 4.5 million people. Jacky has also starred in many well-regarded films throughout his career. Some of his best-known and critically acclaimed movies include "Days of Being Wild", "As Tears Go By", "Bullet in the Head", and "Ashes of Time". He's also known for his roles in "Once Upon a Time in China", "Swordsman", and "July Rhapsody". The movie "Days of Being Wild" directed by Wong Kar-wai is considered a classic of Hong Kong cinema. His recent movie was last year's "Customs Frontline", where Cheung portrayed a customs officer navigating a complex case.
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Peranakan heritage comes alive through a heartfelt musical celebration this October
THIS October, audiences will be transported into the heart of Peranakan heritage – a world of vivid colours, nostalgic melodies, and heartfelt community spirit. Peranakan: A Musical Legacy, presented by Somerset Music, is more than just a concert; it is a living celebration of culture woven with purpose, bringing together music, tradition, and charity for a cause that touches lives. Malaysia's cultural identity has long been likened to a richly patterned mosaic, each tradition adding its own colour and character to the nation's story. Few traditions embody this fusion as beautifully as the Peranakan heritage – a blend of Malay, Chinese, and colonial influences reflected in its clothing, cuisine, and music. Taking centre stage at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) on Oct 4 and 5 2025, Peranakan: A Musical Legacy will offer audiences a heartfelt evening of song and story while raising funds for two meaningful causes – The National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) and the Malaysia Assistance Fund by World Vision Malaysia. Organised by Somerset Music, the concert is set to feature a choir dressed in authentic Peranakan attire, with many of its singers being individuals with special needs. 'Somerset Music is pleased to organise this fund raiser which is in aid of The National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) and the Malaysia Assistance Fund by World Vision Malaysia. Members of the public are invited to actively play a personal part in this charitable cause, while enjoying an artistic evening of songs, stories and culture with the choir attired in authentic Peranakan outfits,' said Somerset Music Principal Joanne Poh. Photo: DPAC Website 'This fund-raising concert is a heartfelt celebration of Southeast Asia's Peranakan heritage told through songs passed down across generations. The programme features a thoughtfully curated selection of folk melodies, from playful childhood rhymes to soulful love ballads, rooted in the traditions of the Malay Archipelago and the Straits-born Chinese community. There will be many sing-along moments for the audience throughout the concert. We hope to bring to life again the sense of togetherness in a community through music and laughter,' she added. The line-up includes well-loved classics such as Rasa Sayang, Trek Tek Tek, Chan Mali Chan, Kopi Susu, Lenggang Kangkung, and Bengawan Solo. Each song paints a scene – from carefree kampung days to the warmth of family gatherings – set against the backdrop of simpler, rustic times. For Nasom, this partnership is as much about cultural preservation as it is about advocacy. 'We are incredibly excited about partnering with Somerset Music on their upcoming fundraising concert, Peranakan: A Musical Legacy. This event celebrates a rich cultural heritage while directly supporting Nasom's vital work in our community. We believe this collaboration will create a truly meaningful impact,' said Nasom chairman Julian Wong Ming Vui. 'We are delighted to present the exceptional talents of the Nasom Maestros, our very own choir group who are known for their heartwarming and inspiring performances. This collaboration not only brings us closer to our mission of raising awareness about autism but also offers a wonderful platform for the Nasom Maestros to showcase their incredible talents,' she added. A sneak preview to Peranakan: A Musical Legacy concert on Oct 4-5 at DPAC to celebrate diversity of South-east Asia's Baba and Nyonya heritage with well-loved songs like Bengawan Solo, Burung Kakak Tua to name a few. World Vision Malaysia is also part of this initiative, with chief executive officer Hernando Betita III highlighting its significance. 'We are grateful to be part of this initiative and to Somerset Music for making a difference with us. World Vision Malaysia is dedicated to the wellbeing of children and vulnerable communities, both locally and globally. The support generated through this concert will go a long way in improving lives through child-focused development programmes especially individuals with special needs, towards a more compassionate and just world for all,' he said. With ticket prices set at RM80, RM130, and RM180, and open to audiences of all ages, the event promises not only an evening of rich cultural immersion but also the chance to be part of something larger – a celebration of heritage, compassion, and the unifying power of music. The concert is supported by community partners Nusantara Performing Arts Research Centre (NusPARC), with Acre Works lending their support and attire sponsored by Giddy Nyonyas.
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Barnama
Food Bank Malaysia To Screen Classic Films To Mark National Month
ALOR SETAR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Food Bank Organisation (Food Bank Malaysia) will be organising screenings of classic films in an open-air cinema format to enliven the National Month celebrations in this city. Its chairman Mohd Azrul Mohd Razak said that through the screening of classic films, the public can reminisce about history while at the same time fostering the spirit of nationalism within society. 'Various interesting classic films, including those acted by the late National Artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee, will be screened for the public,' he told Bernama here today. He said the screenings will be held every Friday starting Aug 22 at Warong Jalan Day here, from 8 to 11 pm. According to him, tickets will be sold from as low as RM5 for adults and children aged six and above, while senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwD) will be given free entry. 'Tickets will go on sale tomorrow through Food Bank Malaysia's social media platforms and are limited to only 30 buyers each week due to the limited seating capacity,' he said. Mohd Azrul further said that all proceeds from ticket sales will be fully channelled to Food Bank Malaysia for charitable purposes, and every ticket purchaser will also be served a complimentary set meal and drink, subject to terms and conditions. 'The programme is also an effort to raise funds to help provide free food to the underprivileged around the state,' he said. Mohd Azrul added that for any enquiries and further information, the public can contact the secretariat through the link
