BABA AHMAD ROAD - Named after my grandfather

CAPTAIN BABA AHMED JP (Justice of the Peace) 1888 - 1967

One morning, as I watched the sunrise from my balcony, my mind flashed back to the day when I was with my grandfather. It was the first time when I watched the sunrise. We were at a holiday bungalow in Tanjung Bungah. It was an aesthetic phenomenon for a little girl. While admiring the sunset view, my grandfather told many interesting stories. These are ingrained in my mind.

Baba Ahmad Road – Off Vale of Tempe, Tanjung Bungah.
I had fond memories of my early years in Tanjung Bungah. It holds a special place in my heart. To add to this, the Government named a road in Tanjung Bungah (off Vale of Tempe) after my grandfather, in appreciation for his services. He was once known to the people of Penang as the 'grand old man". So, no matter where I go, Tanjung Bungah will always be my favourite place in the world.

Today, few may remember him, and what he did for the community. Most have long gone, including my father (his son) who departed in 2012. It is no surprise if the people living on the road, wonder who "Baba Ahmad" was. 

Baba Ahmed served the government, and the people in different capacities under the British administration. His concern for the welfare of the people, especially the under-privileged, and years of dedicated service, earned him the name, 'grand old man'. 

This appreciation was well earned. Over the years, he initiated, and assisted in improvements to their health, living conditions, education, and recreation. These were performed honorably, during his tenure as the Medical Officer, Hospital Assistant, Captain of the former Straits Settlements Volunteer Force, President of the Government Pensioners’ Association, Justice of the Peace, nominated Member of the Rural District Council, Secretary of Penang Muslim Orphanage, and as active member of 20 Sports Clubs, and charitable organisations.

Acknowledged for his exemplary service to the Malay community, people of other races benefited equally. No political offer or persuasion, could deviate him from the tasks he set his mind to do. He was nominated to serve the people, and this he did, for the people. He did not at all yearn for recognition or reward. 

He was gracious, and modest. The first, and only time he saw the sign on the road, with his name etched, but incorrectly spelt (Ahmad instead of Ahmed), he smiled sheepishly, and said it did not matter. 

Age caught up with him, and a minor accident compelled him to retire. Penang lost an irreplaceable son, who was most respected for his integrity, honesty, and humility. He was to the people, a role model of a caring citizen, a devoted family man, and a dedicated social worker. 

Today, I proudly dedicate this page to Captain Baba Ahmed JP, my grandfather, and share some of my happy moments with him, and the wisdom he left behind.    

Below, an excerpt of the eulogy, published by a local newspaper, Straits Echo on 30 March, 1967

‘GRAND OLD MAN’ of Malay community dies.

One of the few remaining grand old men of the Penang Malay community died yesterday.  He was Captain Baba Ahmed bin Ahmed, aged 78.

Capt. Baba Ahmed, who had been suffering from a prolonged illness, succumbed at about noon yesterday at his Jalan Bunga Cempaka home, Bukit Glugor.

A retired Government’s Hospital Assistant, Capt. Baba Ahmed had been in the forefront of the Penang Malay community, having served and associated with numerous Malay bodies.

He retained his commission as Captain of the former Straits Settlements Volunteer Force of which he served as Commanding Officer of the “C” Malay Company in 1931.

Appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1951, the late Capt. Baba Ahmed, served as Secretary of Penang Muslim Orphanage for 5 years since 1945.  

He was President of the Government Pensioners’ Association from 1957 to 1962.  An active sportsman in his younger days, the late Capt. Baba Ahmed, was a member of more than 20 sports clubs, some of which are now defunct.

LAST SERVICE

His last service to the public was as a nominated member of the Rural District Council from 1952 – 1957.  In appreciation of his public services, the Government has named a new road in Tanjong Bungah (off Vale of Tempe Road) after him.”

MORE ON BABA AHMED

He came from a reasonably well-to-do family, but worked hard, and succeeded, solely by his own merits, and efforts. 

He completed his secondary education at the Penang Anglo-Chinese School. Here was where he became multi-lingual, and learned to write and speak fluently in English, Chinese, in addition to Malay, Hindi, and Tamil.

From 1912 to 1923, he worked as a Medical Officer at the Special Ward for European patients, and local patients, respectively. 

From 1924, he was appointed the Medical Officer/Hospital Assistant, at the Balik Pulau District Hospital, by the government, under the British administration (photo above).  As hospital administrator, he introduced preventive measures to curtail the spreading of several infectious diseases, that were common to the community. He was very popular with the multi-racial villagers. He persuasively changed their mindsets, to accept treatment via Western medicine.

Life in the good old days
He had a nice family house in Balik Pulau, with an orchard filled with fruit trees including durian. These would now be worth millions. The picture below was the government residence, where my father, and his siblings stayed, when they were small.
  

In the good old days, it was considered prestigious to own cars. The car (below) was a dream car for many.  

He loved the sea, and this photo was taken in Port Dickson, during an outing with his children. They were a happy family, and hardship was unheard of.

Second World War
Then, unexpected events happened. The Second World War came, and Malaya was invaded by Japan. The above government residence became barracks for Japanese soldiers. 

During the Japanese occupancy, like most people, life became a living nightmare for him, and his family. He lost everything he owned, and struggled to fend for his family. Food was scarce, and many were undernourished, and even starved. Those he knew were suddenly taken away, and many disappeared without trace, and some were beheaded. He had seen the worst, and, fortunately, he and his family survived this ordeal. 

When the war ended, and the British returned to Malaya, he slowly built himself again, and later operated a government dispensary at Buckingham Street, in George Town.  

Man of knowledge
Baba Ahmed enjoyed reading, and maintained a library in his home, throughout his life. I am fortunate to have inherited, many of his books, and diaries. He was a man of knowledge, and was never weary of searching, and expanding his knowledge even in old age. This was his well-known quote -  "seek knowledge even from a beggar on the street". 

He had lived a well balanced life, and believed that both material and spiritual pursuits, were equally important in life. He devoted his time equally to his family, and community, and inspired everyone around him, by his examples. 

Justice of the Peace
As a Justice of the Peace, his house was made accessible to anyone, day and night. People frequented his home to seek his advice, favours, signatures, food, money. These were given spontaneously, without any personal gain or reward.

Honoured posthumously by Penang Museum
In the 80s, he was honoured posthumously by Penang Museum. An exemplary exhibition of his journals, diaries, photos, records of his achievements and contributions to the community, were displayed for public viewing. In this corner of the Museum, these inscribed words, caught my attention:
"Captain Baba Ahmed, JP,  ...respected...dedicated...served the community tirelessly, .." 
The words moved me to tears, but on that day, the tears I shed were tears of joy. I was proud to know that this was how he was viewed, and appreciated, by the people he served. 

MY ROOTS

My grandfather's paternal roots could be traced to a ‘Meah’ family somewhere in a region in North India, neighbouring Afghanistan, before Pakistan came into existence. His grandfather spoke Urdu, and English. He came to Penang as a soldier in the British Army, in 1850s. He settled in Penang, after leaving the army, and married a local woman.

"In 1826, Penang, along with Malacca and Singapore, became part of the Straits Settlements under the British administration in India, later came under direct British rule in 1867 as a Crown Colony". (Wikipedia)

My grandfather was born on 13th December,1888 at Lorong Pak Haji Dollah (now known as Swatow Lane), Penang, opposite the old New World Park. 

Inter-marriages
There were many inter-marriages especially in the early 19th Century. My grandfather was married to Siti Fatimah Sheikh Abd. Razak Al Madan of Middle Eastern origin (my paternal grandmother). She died long before I was born. For many years my grandfather remained a single parent with seven kids, and his mother lived with him. 

He later married Che Puteh binti Din, from Kuala Lumpur, a woman chosen by his mother. (His mother was ill, and knew she was dying.  She kept her illness a secret, as she was afraid of hospitals). Che Puteh was the only grandmother that I knew, and loved. When I was born, she pampered me more than her own children. She was of Indo/Malay lineage, and was also my grandauntie (my mother’s auntie). I know this is confusing, don't bother to figure out.

My mum was of mixed parentage too. Her father was a mixture of Dutch, and her mother, Indo/Malay. I am proud of my heritage, and, my ancestors' contributions to this country.

"Penang's prosperity attracted people from far and wide, making Penang truly a melting pot of diverse cultures. Among the ethnic groups found in Penang were Malays, Acehnese, Arabs, Armenians, British, Burmese, Germans, Jews, Chinese, Gujeratis, Bengalis, Japanese, Punjabis, Sindhis, Tamils, Thais, Malayalees, Rawas, Javanese, Mandailings, Portuguese, Eurasians and others. Though many of them no longer impose a felt presence today, their memory lives on in place names such as Burma Road, Rangoon Road, Siam Road, Armenian Street, Acheen Street, Gottlieb Road, and Katz Street, and the Jewish Cemetery" - (Wikipedia)  

STORIES WITH MORAL VALUES

With this diverse cultural heritage, I grew up in a home, rich in knowledge of the antiquity. Over the years, I learnt to sieve, and extract what was useful to me, and discarded what I considered as sheer folklore, and superstition.

That little girl in the picture was me, when I was 4 years old. I still remember most of the stories told by my grandfather, even those told, when I was this age. What I distinctly could not forget, was how he punctuated every story with these words “when you grow up, remember these stories”. He wanted me to remember the moral values behind the stories he told, so that I would become someone that he would be proud of. Sadly, he passed on, before he could see, that he had inspired me, and that I had done fairly well myself.  (A link to my memoir/profile). 

He, and his son  Hashim, my father, that he raised well, and my beloved mother, were my early source of inspiration.They had inculcated the necessity of living a balanced life  and that material and spiritual pursuits, are equally important.

My grandfather had a way of telling stories that could fill a young mind with awe. This is an example:
“Once there was a squirrel. It would jump from tree to tree. It would deliberately irritate a crocodile lying below, on the ground. The squirrel knew that this hungry, angry, crocodile would never be able to catch. For days, the crocodile waited patiently. One day, the squirrel jumped on the same branch, but this time, the branch broke. The crocodile immediately opened its mouth, and the squirrel dropped right into the crocodile’s mouth”.

Seated near his feet, with my eyes, and mouth wide open, like a sponge, I soaked in every word. As an adult, I realized the moral value behind this story, and his penetrating words are still fresh in my mind:-

No matter how rich and powerful a person is, it is best to be humble. Misfortunes can happen to anyone. An arrogant person gains no sympathy, except contempt.
“Pandai2 tupai melompat, satu hari ke tanah juga” - a Malay proverb.

The messages below, were conveyed to me in the same unique way, in stories. These were actually teaching modules, from a wise old man.
  

“You have two hands, one for giving, another for taking”

“Balance your life between the material, and the spiritual”

“Action speaks louder than words”
"Lead by examples, and not by mere preaching"

“Clean your own backyard, before mocking on your neighbour’s garden”

Lets take a break, and listen to a traditional song ‘Inang Pulau Kampai’ from my last album. Had he been alive, I know my grandfather would have enjoyed listening to a song of his time.

CRAZY TRADITIONS

We were a closely knit family, especially when my grandfather was alive. He believed in family unity, and that meant family activities, including regular trips to the beach. Of course, as kids we loved the sea, and would soak ourselves in sea water for hours. Ultra-violet rays, ozone layers, etc. were unheard of. We enjoyed nature to our hearts’ content.

There was one ridiculous thing we had to do, which I hated most. My grandfather insisted that everyone lined the beach, and be completely covered with sand, from head to toe. The only thing exposed was the face. For me, it seemed like eternity. I could not understand why everyone found that intriguing. It reminded me of ‘death’, because I had seen a dead person buried, and covered with sand. I could never forget that. My late grandfather did not explain the benefits of sea water, and sand, which have recently been researched into.

Here is another silly tradition, but this was fun. After a regular brushing with toothpaste, I was made to gently rub charcoal powder all over my teeth. I left it on for awhile, before rinsing. This gave me time for mischief (which I was good for, and still am). I would cover myself with a white cloth, and then exposed my black teeth, and pretended to be a ghost. The elders, including my grandfather, were amused, but not for long. This prank immediately ceased, when I was made to clean the stained sheet myself. I recently noticed a charcoal toothpaste on a pharmacy shelf, and was surprised. It reminded me of my childhood days.

These are but some of the hidden treasures of the ancient. Had my grandfather explained then, I would not have understood, the benefits. As a child I only obeyed. Today, I have researched, and put to good use most of the things I learnt when I was young, and if he was alive, he would have been pleased.  

Sadly, when the time came for him to leave, I was not by his side. This song was my favourite, which I sang in my last TV show - a  song that I associate with 'goodbyes'. This, is my goodbye to my beloved Dada - 'Hasta Manana' - (till we meet again).

HIS LAST YEARS
He endured a prolonged illness, as Parkinson's was a degenerative disease, with no known cure. As days went by, he persevered in dignity, without being a burden to anyone. When his body began to slowly deteriorate, his feeble voice could be heard during the day, and even on nights when he could not sleep, the house was filled with his prayers. He had never missed one single prayer in his lifetime. When his voice could no longer be heard, his lips were seen moving, reciting prayers, till the last moment, when his soul gently left his body. 

THE FUNERAL

This para in the newspaper brought hundreds to his home. 

"The funeral will take place at 176, Jalan Bunga Cempaka, Bukit Glugor, today and the cortege will leave at 5 pm for burial at the Perak Road Muslim cemetery.”

Emotions were high on the funeral day. People from all walks of life and all races - his friends, their families, friends of his children and grandchildren, thronged the street of his home, to catch a last glimpse of him. Those who were not in time, waited at the burial ground to pay their last respects. None in Penang, had seen a funeral of this stature before. 

At the burial ground, as he was laid to rest, my tears mingled with droplets of drizzles that came down from the sky. To me, the drizzles were Blessings. The gentle breeze that accompanied, was a sign that he was bidding his last farewell to me, to those he loved, and, to the people he once served. He had lived a simple life, but on that day, he was sent off as a King. He was their hero - my hero.

FOREVER LOVED AND CHERISHED

Years have gone by, and I often thought of him. He is remembered in my everyday prayers, and is forever loved, and cherished. May his soul be placed among the souls of the righteous, in the Hereafter.

EMI - WHERE DREAMS CAME TRUE

DREAMS AND FAIRY TALES
Dreams are but goals in life,

Without dreams, we wander aimlessly,

Dreams without pursuit,

Can bear nothing, but a fruitless tree.

Fairy Tales
Fascination for fairy tales may continue, even as we reach puberty.  However, real life is not always a fairy tale with a happy ending.  It can sometimes turn out to be an illusion, and harsh, in this world of reality.

Touching on dreams, I remember a Malay folklore, told to me when I was young. It was about a character ‘Mat Jenin’, who was full of imagination, and visions of his future.  Sadly, he did nothing, and all day long, sat under a coconut tree, day-dreaming. One day, a coconut dropped on his head. That was how he realized his dream. I cannot remember the rest of the story, hopefully he changed after that -  if he survived.

(Below) - 'Mimpi ku' (My dream)  

from my first album. 

EMI - WHERE DREAMS CAME TRUE

My Journey
Like everything else in life,  it was not an easy ride, as nothing came easy for me. There were challenges, and I accepted these as lessons in life, and nothing could deter me from realizing my dream. I now wish to recall my happy moments shared with the people in EMI, and their impact on my life, as a recording artist.

The beginning

I could have recorded earlier under other labels if I wanted to, but I told myself that I would not settle for anything less than EMI. To be a family member of one of the biggest recording companies in the world, was a dream came true. Many have tried to find their way here, but could not succeed. Some did, and stayed on for awhile, later ventured for greener pastures, and regretted, but only a few survived for decades.

The day I walked into the EMI office in Singapore, I was this young girl taking her step to fulfil a dream. As I entered the door to reach my goal, I knew then, that this was home.

The people I met

There were prior phone discussions on the formalities involved, such as contract, payment, royalty, etc. which I was not concerned about. I did not have a manager to negotiate, like artists do today. To me, it was, and still is, embarrassing to talk about money. A contract was already prepared when I arrived, and all that was needed was just my signature, to proceed with the recording. I was not bothered about the contents. I trusted the company, grateful for the opportunity, and most of all, liked the people there. 

The late Mrs. Daisy Devan - (Artist & Recording Manager)

On that first day, as I approached Mrs. Daisy Devan's room, I could hear the same high-pitched voice that I heard before on the phone. I had imagined her as a fierce, fat, Indian lady in sari, because on the phone, she sounded somewhat authoritative. 

The moment we met, I instantly liked Daisy, and I was sure the feeling was mutual. She was different in person, and treated me as though she had known me for a long time. She was dressed in a trendy blouse and pants. (In all the years I knew her, she had never dressed differently).  

Daisy was the kind of person who generated positive energy to people around her, that put them at ease. In a profession like hers, when patience and empathy were essential qualities, EMI had done right in choosing her to fill that chair.                                                                          

Daisy was witty, always bubbly, with a sense of humour, and frequently laughing at small jokes, even at her own. She was sometimes quite excitable. I often wondered if she ever had problems in her life, because she never talked about her problems, and I presumed, she had none. I believe exposure to music has therapeutic benefits, especially in calming nerves.  I am sure she had benefited by this, from her job.

Daisy was like a big sister to all the artists, however, she had her favourites.  I was told, and, proud to say, that I was considered her favourite. To her, I was not just an artist, I became a friend. We would go out for lunch, and shopping, in between, and, after the recording sessions, frequenting the shops along Orchard Road. I also had the pleasure of visiting her home, and, as later confessed by her, this privileged was not extended to other artists.  She was very protective over me, and made sure that I was safe, and comfortable, during all my trips to Singapore.

For me, going to Singapore was not just for the recordings, but also a break, to spend time with a friend.  I respected her for her vast knowledge, on nearly every subject we touched on, not only music.  She would do most of the talking. Sometimes, in my heart, I did think that she talked a little bit too much. (Sorry Daisy, wherever you are, I just cannot resist jabbing). 

I remember, in between conversations, when I interrupted her, to inject my views, she would give me a surprised look. She said that I was good company, and matured for my age. I accepted that as a compliment, because Daisy was not generous with her praises, unless she really meant it.

We sustained our friendship for years to come. When I terminated an on-going contract with EMI, for a personal reason, she waived all legal rights EMI had over me. She knew that I was firm in my decision, and could not be swayed.  Even an attractive offer that followed from EMI (UK), that everyone thought I was crazy to turn down, could not change my mind.

In the 80s, we met several times in Singapore, after she left EMI, and started her own business.  In the mid 90s, she and her late hubby took a short break, and were guests in my home.  We had a good time together, with our husbands at Genting Highland.  This was the last time I saw Daisy, however, we did talk occasionally on the phone. As time went by, in life, we sometimes take things for granted. We both did not maintain contact.

Today, I regret my carelessness for not taking a single photo of us together. I am angered by my lack of effort in tracing her whereabouts. I am extremely saddened to hear that Daisy spent many lonely years alone, after her beloved husband departed.  I knew she would be distraught, because they were close, and deeply loved each other.  Daisy Devan was laid to rest on April 4, 2009.  May her soul rest in peace.  

The late Kassim Masdor 

Daisy did not tell me who would be involved in my first album. As 
I entered the recording studio, adjoining Daisy’s office at Mc Donald House, in Orchard Road, I could not believe my eyes. I was met by the one and only, composer, producer, Kassim Masdor.  Anyone who did not know him then, was not fit to be in the Malay music industry. Who could forget him with his dark sunglasses, as a back-up singer in ‘Panca Sitara’ with P. Ramlee, and, Saloma, singing her song ‘Bila larut malam’!

I was speechless for a few seconds.  He then stretched his hand, and gave me the firmest handshake I ever had. I flinched, and thought that my flimsy fingers would break.  The reception I received was overwhelming.  Apparently, I was his favourite in the ‘3 Juita’ TV musical. 

Kassim co-produced 2 of my recordings, alongside Reggie Verghese. The one time he produced my album on his own, it somehow did not turn out well for me. This was the song  'Ku datang lagi' composed by him, with lyrics by Yusnor Ef.  It became obscured by other songs, and the review for his song was not too favourable.  

Several months later, when I arrived for my next recording, Kassim was no longer with EMI.  He had left to start his own recording business, and released his first album with Sanisah Huri, under Warnada Record.

One evening, in October, 2011, at a family function we hosted at Selangor Club, Kuala Lumpur, an unexpected guest arrived with former veteran actor, Mustafa Maarof. I could not recognize who the man was, walking alongside, wearing a cowboy hat, and dark glasses. It was none other than, Kassim Masdor. I almost screamed with joy when I realized who he was. We chatted for one minute, and I managed to tease him, and made him cackle. This attracted the attention of his former colleagues, Rosnani, Maria Menado, Umi Kalthom, Aziz Satar, Salmah Ahmad, and he was immediately whisked away.   

As often, regrets come after someone passes away.  I regret that I was unable to talk to him a little longer, or even said goodbye.  He was too engrossed with his reunion with old friends. He had not met them for a long time, and had flown specially to Kuala Lumpur, to attend our function. I believe, that was also the last time his friends saw him. 

Kassim Masdor is fondly remembered for his support, before I was firmly entrenched in EMI. I am forever grateful. I can never forget his coy smiles, and his responses to the little jokes I used to crack, to ease tensions, during stressed situations (when recordings were delayed, due to unforeseen circumstances).   Kassim Masdor departed on 21 January, 2014.

Reggie Verghese

The Quest was discovered by Daisy Devan. This group was specifically remembered for having toppled a hit song by the Beatles from the hit chart in the late 60s. Reggie Verghese was then the guitarist, and composer, of the group.  

I was happy, and extremely privileged, when Daisy assigned Reggie to work on my music, and to co-produce the album.

When we first met, I did not expect Reggie to know me, because he was not into Malay music. Kassim gave him a lengthy introduction of me, while Reggie grinned, and nodded politely.

Reggie that I knew, was a man of few words, quite shy I would say. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to know him personally.

Professionally, he was the best music producer that I ever worked with.  He knew what was suitable for my voice, and was very receptive to suggestions I made.  “Kalong Emas” was his composition that he happily gave, when I requested for a song from him.    

Reggie was very dedicated to his work, but there were moments when I noticed that he was withdrawn.  As years went by, he loosened a little, and became more relaxed. He seemed to enjoy his work, very focused, and never distracted.

It amazed me, there were times when he would create the whole music track, all by himself. He would play the guitar, keyboard, even supervised the recording.  He once loaned his voice when he wanted to add a chorus to my song, and could not get back-up singers, at the last minute. 

Reggie was a truly talented, and amazing person to work with. I am very proud to have worked with him through all my albums.  He had never abandoned me, because he knew that his presence was needed to give me extra confidence.  He stayed on to oversee every recording session, to ensure that even the mixing of the tracks were done well.  On one occasion when Reggie was not involved in the recording, the production quality and music arrangement, did not turn out well. 

My last contact with Reggie was a call that I received, after I announced my exit. He heard the news from Daisy, and called to inquire my reasons. I could hear his disappointment, when he heard that I would not be coming back. After that day, I did not hear from him again.  I often wondered where he is now, especially lately when my old songs were re-released on the market.  I hope that he is well, and fine. I was told that he is still in Singapore.  

Reggie, wherever you are, I hope that you will read this, otherwise, you will never know how I feel. I never had the chance to thank you personally, for everything. 

A recent update: Several persons who read my blog, mentioned that they would convey my message to him. I never heard from him - it was just not meant to be. The last news I heard was that, Reggie had passed away on 17th June, 2015. May his soul rest in peace.

My first record

EMI released two of my songs, 'Mimpi ku' and 'Panggil-lah daku' in this first single. Instrumentation and production, were the creative works of Reggie Verghese. 

This record became an instant hit-seller, and both songs stayed on the hit charts in Malaysia, and Singapore for weeks,  and remained evergreen.

(Right) ‘Panggil lah daku' 
composed by Akbar Nawab.

The cover
I was embarrassed by this ridiculous hairstyle - I still am!

Stars in the Galaxy
On days when the sky was clear, I could see stars scattered far beyond, until my eyes could no longer behold. Some were shining, while some were hardly visible. I often wondered, who actually started referring to celebrities as ‘stars’, and why?  Is it because stars do not shine forever, as they fade away, and diminish in time?

  

Muzikarama

On this joyous night, the crowd at Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur were enthralled when they saw their favourites on stage.  I was proud to see Sugiman singing the song 'Kisah Cinta' with the Malay lyrics, I wrote for him.

On that eventful night, all EMI's stars deserved the glory they received. Like everything else that shine in life, this glory did not last forever. Many have long gone, and given way for new stars to take their place.  Some have gone forever.

There is one, whose dreams have been fulfilled.  As she reflects her days, then, she too will fade away, into oblivion!

(Right) Frankie Cheah singing 'love story' and Sugiman Jahuri with 'Kisah cinta

In their order of appearance - Mike Ibrahim, Sarena Hashim, S. Rossley, Sanisah Huri, Sugiman Jahuri, Frankie Cheah, Stray Dogs, Clicque Fantastique, Sharifah Aini,
X’periment, Rafeah Buang,  P. Ramlee, Saloma.

SALOMA - Remembered and loved

In the early years, the clock did not move as fast as it does now – that was how I felt.  I could not wait for time to fly, so that I could accomplish my dreams. What was really changing faster than the clock then, was actually me!

My preference for food, clothes, even music began to change. I only listened to music by foreign artists. I was no longer interested in Saloma, even after winning a 1^st prize in a competition, singing her songs ‘Muda manja’ and ‘Selamat Hari Raya’.

Some time later, I saw the movie ‘Bujang Lapok’ directed,  and acted by P. Ramlee. In that movie, Saloma (his wife), was dancing in her stiletto, wearing a knee-length dress, singing the song ‘Gelora’. (Pictured on the right, the actual scene from the movie).  

Alas, that was dejavu for me. I was fascinated by that performance, and, liked her again, but I said to myself that I was not really her fan.

FIRST TIME WE MET

It was in the late 60s.  I was not yet a recording artist, but already known in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei (also Indonesia, I was told). It was after my first TV appearance in the 13-week musical series ‘3 Juita’.  (Pictured left, with Jimmy Ooi Quartet, in 3 Juita).

I was invited to sing at a show organized by Radio Malaysia (Penang). I could not believe that I would be appearing on stage, with the two most famous personalities in Malaysia, and Singapore.     

So, on that fateful day, back-stage, I set my eyes on P. Ramlee, and Saloma for the first time. I was standing on the opposite side of the stage, waiting for my turn to sing.  

During that few agonizing moments, I was perspiring profusely, and I could hear my own heartbeat. I then noticed P. Ramlee looking at me.  It must have been obvious to him that I was nervous.  He would of course understand what I was going through, having been in the same position in his early years.

From a distance he seemed like a nice, and kind person.  He nodded at me, smiled, and raised his hand, as a polite gesture of encouragement. This actually displeased Saloma, from the look she gave him. She then glared at me, continuously.

I was surprised - “what on earth was that for …why was she hostile to me?”, I asked myself.  I already had problems with my racing heartbeat, how could I cope with an extra stress?  After all, he was only being polite, and, I was not even his fan. I then maintained my cool, and performed my best. My parents, and close relatives were with the audience, and that must have given me extra strength.  

WE MET AGAIN

We met again, for the second time, in the early 70s.  I already had a few hit albums to my credit, and was appearing regularly on TV. It was during ‘Muzikarama’ -  a grand show held at Stadium Negara,  Kuala Lumpur.

This was the first, and only such event organized by EMI, to present to public, its prized showcase of singers, and musicians, from Malaysia and Singapore. (Pictured on the right singing my song 'Ingin Berkenalan'). More on Muzikarama in another posting.

P. Ramlee, was the emcee for the night. Another glaring session transpired between Saloma, and I. After that first incident, prior to this, I had decided that I would not look at her, even if she stood two feet in front of me. 

FRIENDSHIP BONDED 

Destiny brought us together. Thanks to Producer Helan Abu. He had invited Saloma to perform in my show - 'SARENA in Saturday night entertainment'.  (Pictured below during our medley).  Of course, we had no choice but to meet in person to discuss the show (even though we did not like each other).

That day, over coffee at RTM cafeteria, we were cordial to one another. I suggested that we performed a medley of her old songs.  She was surprised that I knew her songs by heart, whereas she could not even remember any (having recorded hundreds of songs in her life-time).

Suddenly, I saw her face lighted up, and she flashed her most famous smile at me.  A miracle had just taken place. We were chatting, laughing, and, giggling for hours, as though we had known each other for ages. This was how, and where, it all began.  What was originally a childish irritant between two strangers, turned into an everlasting friendship. 

(Below, video-clip of the medley, we performed)

THE SALOMA SHOW

We were put together again, by Helan Abu. This time, I was Saloma's guest in her show ‘The Saloma show’.  It was my debut in TV acting. I was casted as a rising star, not able to cope with personal problems, being in the limelight. In this drama/musical,  Saloma was my confidante. 

The script 'Cemburu' written by Helan, was nearly close to our real life experience together. (Pictured on the right - the actual scene from the drama/musical).

I can still remember the end shot when we were told to hug each other, while the credit titles were rolling.  It was really odd, having to hug for nearly 5 minutes. We were giggling throughout the rehearsal, and the actual shooting of that scene.

I often wondered why Helan did not freeze the ‘bear-hug’ shot, immediately after my dialogue “you are my sister, for eternity”!

Perhaps, Helan really wanted to bring us together,  or perhaps he was amused. I never really asked the reason. What we both knew, on that fateful day, our friendship was finally bonded. She became the sister that I never had.

THE SALOMA I KNEW

Saloma was a very special person, gentle, and soft spoken. Very sisterly towards me, and insisted that I called her ‘Sally’ (her nickname). Those days we often did not call our counterparts ‘kakak’ (big sister), for various reasons, even though the person was older.  Perhaps, I can write about this another time.

What I observed about Saloma was that, she was never angry with anyone (at least not in my presence).  She was always calm, and composed, even when situations got out of hand.  She was extremely dedicated to her profession. Her favourite singer was Doris Day.  She was obsessed about her family, and generous to them all.

Saloma would not burden anyone with her problems. She was ever-ready to listen, and was always there when someone needed her help or advice. I never heard her talking ill of anyone or gossiped.  Although she knew there were times, some friends, and family members were disloyal to her, she was ready to forgive, and forget.  She was never affected by any gossip that anyone spewed, and quickly brushed them aside.  

She had many struggles in life, and each, she confronted bravely. She confided her problems, and I would always give emotional support, when needed.  She was of strong character, determined, independent, and proud.  These were the characteristics that placed her on the pedestal, as the top female songstress, actress, that ever lived in Malaysia, and Singapore. This title, she rightfully earned for decades in her life time, and even after she departed.

From the inside, Saloma was a very lonely person, after P. Ramlee passed away.  She would spend hours relating precious moments they shared. I came to know the real P. Ramlee from her -  how pressured he was to meet certain schedules, what he did when he was unable to get inspired to churn out new compositions,  and movie scripts. She knew, what she confided would be well guarded by me.

What I can stress here, is that,  P. Ramlee was not treated well by several persons in the entertainment industry. This somehow or rather, affected him. I once suggested to her to get someone to write a story about her life with P. Ramlee.  She was very interested, but I am not sure if she managed to pursue this idea.

Saloma was the only person in my past, as an artist, that I maintained contact with, (after I withdrew from the entertainment industry). My biggest regret is that, I had inadvertently isolated myself, and we did not spend much time together, towards the end of her life.

(Video on the right) The song ‘Solataire’ sung by her in my show, is my favourite. I cry each time I hear it, as it reminds me of the good times we shared, and the regrets that I have, in losing a ‘sister’, and a sincere friend, who could never be replaced. 

Pictured below with Saloma, 
my beloved mother, Mariah 
(both departed, and sadly missed)

May their souls
be placed among the righteous,
in the Hereafter. Ameen.

This blog by D. J. Calito provides Saloma's background and achievements.