A son's tribute: Norman KRU reflects on the greatest lessons from his father

Sinar Daily

14 hours ago

He reflects on the man who shaped his life with love, wisdom and unwavering presence.
Norman with his father, Abdul Halim Kamal (left) and his mother Zarina Abdul Wahab Fenner (right). Photo: Norman's Facebook account
On stage, they were a powerhouse trio redefining the Malaysian music landscape. But behind the scenes of KRU, the bond that truly shaped Datuk Norman Abdul Halim and his brothers Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry, was not forged under studio lights; it was quietly built in the presence of a man he still calls his hero: his father.
This Father's Day, Norman opens up not just as a music industry legend, but as a son, a brother and a father himself, reflecting on the man who shaped his life with love, wisdom and unwavering presence.
For Norman, the eldest of the KRU brothers, Father's Day is more than just a calendar occasion; it is a reminder of where his story began. Datuk Norman Abdul Halim. Photo: ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR
'My father has always been a good man and a truly devoted father; he still is. Growing up, we were a very close-knit family. My brothers and I often played football together and even our sister would join in.
'My father was very present in our lives, spending a lot of time with us. We travelled often and these shared experiences helped strengthen our bond as a family,' he recalled in an interview with Sinar Daily.
One pivotal chapter was their two-year move to London during Norman's late teenage years.
He shared that closeness only deepened, particularly when he was around 16 or 17 and his family moved to London for two years.
'Our time there brought us even closer together. Throughout it all, my father remained our constant support.
'He is someone I have always looked up to, a hero who faced every challenge head-on and guided us to become who we are today,' he added. Norman with his father, Abdul Halim Kamal. Photo: Norman's Facebook account
That same sense of duty and calm leadership defined his father's role within his own family as the eldest sibling and later, shaped Norman's own journey.
He said that he learned a lot from watching his father in that role.
'I am also the eldest among my siblings and while I would not necessarily call myself their leader and I am sure my brothers Edry and Yusry would not actually agree with that but being the eldest does come with its own set of expectations.
'It often means compromising and adapting. My brothers are strong-minded individuals and I have my own family too, which makes balancing relationships even more important.
'One key lesson I have learned from my father is the importance of flexibility, understanding that you can not talk to everyone the same way. Each person needs a different approach and my father exemplified this in how he treated each of us.
'He nurtured us according to our unique personalities, guiding us individually to become who we are today,' he said.
It is this intentional parenting that Norman believes helped fuel not only their personal growth, but also the creative synergy behind KRU. Datuk Norman Abdul Halim. Photo: ASRIL ASWANDI SHUKOR
'This upbringing, shaped by our father's values and presence, definitely influenced our careers as members of KRU. But it is not just about our father, our relationship as brothers played a big role too.
'Working together as siblings is not always easy, especially when each of us has our own vision for what KRU should be. Despite any differences, what ultimately keeps us united is the thought of our parents.
'They do not need to say or do anything, just knowing they are there is enough to remind us of what truly matters and bring us back together,' he added.
And what does Norman want to say to his father this Father's Day?
'Daddy, I love you so much. You probably already know that because I say it all the time. Wishing you the happiest Father's Day!' he said.
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