Malay music icon SM Salim dies at 88
- THE STAR
PETALING JAYA: Legendary singer Tan Sri SM Salim has died at his home in Kuala Lumpur. He was 88.
His son Shamsul Salim confirmed the news when contacted by mStar Online (The Star’s Bahasa Malaysia portal).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he would be remembered for his contributions and extended his condolences to the family of the revered singer.
“Condolences to the family of TS SM Salim. The late SM Salim has contributed greatly to the arts and heritage of the Malay world. May Allah bless his soul. Al-Fatihah,” said Najib in a post on his Twitter account.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hailed the singer as a contributor of the arts and broadcasting.
“I knew him from the time he was an announcer at RTM (Radio Televisyen Malaysia). I was then a student at Universiti Malaya and worked part time at RTM,” he told reporters after paying his respects.
Malaysian singers who had the chance to work with Salim are devastated with the news of his passing.
Zainal Abidin, who sang a duet called Satu with Salim in 1992, said the singer was like a father figure to him.
“I feel like I’ve lost a father. Working with him is something I will never forget,” said Zainal.
“To this day, I still remember the advice he gave me, which was to be humble and nice to people, because no matter how many awards we get or what we achieve, at the end of the day, we will still be returned to the earth.”
Datuk Siti Nurhaliza was also affected by Salim’s death.
“He was like a father to me, giving me advice, setting a great example and sharing his knowledge.
“Duetting with him on Pandang-Pandang Jeling-Jeling and Bergending Dang Gong was an unforgettable experience,” said Siti, who is currently in Jakarta.
Datuk Sheila Majid, who recorded Entah Jadi Entahkan Tidak, said Salim’s legacy will live on.
“I’m truly honoured to have had the opportunity to record a duet with him.
“He may have left us but his light, his legacy will always shine in our hearts,” she said.
Datuk M. Nasir, who composed the 2003 song Seloka Cak Kun Cak for a duet with Salim, recalled fondly how Salim complained the song was too difficult for him.
“It was quite funny because he had a laid-back style, and the song had a fast rhythm.
“But he’s a master, so of course, he got it perfect when we went into recording.”
Salim’s career as a singer began in the early 1950s and he was famous for classic Malay songs such as Pasir Roboh, Pantun Budi, Kenang Daku Dalam Doamu and Apa Dah Jadi.
