DATO' SUDIRMAN BIN HAJI ARSHAD

Hello guys! Today I would write about Sudirman Haji Arshad. I surely everyone know him. Until today I still hear his song. He was a national icon, a great Malaysian entertainer.

Dato' Sudirman bin Haji Arshad (25 May 1954 – 22 February 1992) was a Malaysian famous singer and songwriter. He had started his career after winning the "Bintang RTM" on 11 August 1976. Besides, he is the title holder of "Asia's No. 1 Performer" on 19 March 1989 as he won the ‘‘Asian Popular Music Awards’’ competition in Royal Albert Hall in London. He was known as the "Singing Lawyer", the "People's Singer" and the "Elvis of Malaysia". He is also a multi-talented person as a singer, entertainer, composer, lawyer, writer (memoir and children books), cartoonist, entrepreneur and actor.

In April 1983, Sudirman sang a song for the late Puan Sri Saloma titled "Mama". When Sudirman approached her shortly before her death, Saloma expressed her disbelieve with tears - that someone like Sudirman would still remember and make a song solely on her.

As Sudirman was known by many as "Malaysia's No 1 Entertainer", he was chosen to perform for Malaysia's SEA Games closing ceremony in 1989 and many others such as the opening ceremony of Sepak Takraw competition, Merdeka, New Year and other national functions. In most cases, he would use his own money to ensure a successful concert.

On 17 July 1991, Sudirman was admitted to Pusat Perubatan Tawakkal Kuala Lumpur (ICU) for 4 days. It was reported that he collapsed while singing at Butterworth, Penang. He died at 4 a.m. on 22 February 1992 at the age of 37 in his sister’s (Datin Rudiah) house in Kuala Lumpur after 7 months suffering from pneumonia. Hundreds took part in his funeral procession. First, his remains were sent to his hometown in Temerloh, Pahang. Later, he was laid to rest at Chengal Muslim Cemetery, Temerloh, near the graves of his parents.

Sudirman Haji Arshad is the best singer ever. He did Malaysia proud when he put up one of his best singing performances.