Tan Sri P. Ramlee was a Malaysian film actor, director and songwriter. Due to his significant contributions to the movie and music industries, as well as in the literary scene, he was often attributed as the icon of Malay entertainment in both Malaysia and Singapore.
Ramlee was born Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh to Teuku Nyak Puteh Teuku Karim and Che Mah Hussein at his grandmother’s house (now known as P. Ramlee
house and open to the public ) in Counter Hall, Penang. As a child, he studied in several schools, including the famous Penang Free School. During his schooldays, he was very active in sports, especially sepak takraw, badminton and football.
His big break came on June 1, 1948, when he was spotted by Indian film director B.S. Rajhans from Malay Film Productions of Singapore. In 1949, Ramlee was cast in the film Nasih (“Fate”). Seven years later, Ramlee directed his first film, Penarik Becha (“Trishaw Man”). In 1957, Ramlee acted in the first of his Bujang Lapok (“Dowdy Bachelors”) comedies, which are still popular among modern Malay film lovers.
During his stellar career, he directed and acted in 66 films, and wrote more than 300 songs. He was also bestowed numerous awards at the Asian Film Festivals, such as Best Musical Score (third edition), Best Male Actor (fourth), Best Comedy Film (seventh), Most Versatile Talent (10th) and Best Comedy Film (11th).
Ramlee was married three times, the last to the legendary singer Salmah Ismail (or Saloma) in 1961. In 1986, the P. Ramlee Memorial was set up in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, in honour of his contributions to the Malaysian entertainment industry.
On May 29, 1973 (Tuesday), Ramlee suddenly died of a heart attack, but his legendary career will forever be etched in Malaysians’ minds.
TUN ABDUL GHAFAR BABA (February 18, 1925-April 23, 2006)
Tun Abdul Ghafar Baba was the longest-serving Member of Parliament representing eight parliamentary comstituency seats. He was also the oldest State Assemblyman as the age of 76, representing the Tanjung Kling constituency. For 32 years, this man gave the country his all, serving the nation with his unwavering spirit and will.
Born on February 18, 1925 in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Ghafar came from an impoverished family and worked as a candidate in his youth to put himself through school. His tenacity saw him completing his studies all the way to secondary school and graduated as a teacher from the Sultan Idris Teachers College.
He joined Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya in 1946 and UMNO in 1951 and for 66 years, this loyal patriot served the nation as he held various important political positions in Malaysia. He was the Chief Minister of Malacca (1959-1967), chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (1967-1971), Land and Mines Minister (1969-1970, National and Rural Development Minister (1970-1974), Agriculture and Rural Development Minister (1974-1976) and of course he seerved as the Deputy Prime Minister from 1986 to 1993.
His legacy lives on as Tun Ghafar was indeed a true patriot. He was among those who actually fought for the nation’s Independence and actually lived to witness the fruits of his labour. His strategies invloved not that of strength but of stealth and wisdom. He was the Patriot par excellence, his legendary one-onoes led to many of the nation’s most-remembered political victory and for that, Malaysia is truly and forever more grateful.
SUDIRMAN (1954 - February 22, 1992)
Sudirman Arshad was the Number 1 Asian Singer from Malaysia before Siti Nurhaliza burst into the scene. He was affectionately known as the “People’s Singer” and also called the “Elvis of Malaysia”.
Sudirman was born in 1954 in Temerloh, Pahang. In 1980, Sudirman received his PhD from Universiti Malaya (UM). Winning the Bintang RTM Award in 1977 propelled him to superstardom. In 1986, Sudirman performed a concert in front of 68,000 people along one of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest areas in Chow Kit.
The year 1989 marked a momentous occasion for Sudirman when he bagged the first Asian Singer Award at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
Sudirman died of pneumonia on February 22, 1992, in Kuala Lumpur, and his remains were brought back to Temerloh for burial. His last album was “Salam Terakhir”.
More than a decade after Sudirman’s death, his hit songs, such as “31 Ogos, 1957” and “Balik Kampung” are still popular with the masses.
MOKHTAR DAHARI (November 13, 1953 - July 11, 1991)
His prowess on the football field earned him the nickname “Supermokh”. As a striker, he was well known for scoring powerful goals. His outstanding ability coupled with his strict discipline led to him being named the skipper of the Malaysian national team. His decision to retire in November 1978 created an uproar, so much that he had to delay it until October 1982, which dealt a blow to all in the football arena. Never had there been a national football player who had received more attention than Mohd. Mokhtar Dahari.
Born on November 13, 1953, in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, Mokhtar Dahari cultivated his interest in football at a very young age, representing his schools and clubs in various tournaments. It was while attached to the Darul Afiah Club that Mohktar began his football career at Selangor state level. He played in the Merdeka Tournament from 1972 to 1981.
Mokhtar joined the Selangor team in 1972, leading them to the Malaysia Cup title in 10 out of 12 finals, setting a new record for the State.
His appearances for Malaysia in international matches were countless, and so were his goals. Among the international matches he had played in were the SEA Games, Asian Games, Pre-Olympics and the Asia Cup. He had also played against greats such as Diego Maradona, Franz Beckenbauer and Kevin Keegan.
Although he retired from the national squad in 1982, Mohktar was asked to play again in the 1984 Merdeka Tournament and he represented the nation for the last time in 1985 for the pre-World Cup match against South Korea in Seoul.
The news that he had muscular dystrophy came as a shock to all who loved and admired him. Not soon after, Mohktar Dahari died on July 11, 1991. Although sadly missed, he is still fondly remembered by one and all as the legend who brought glory to Malaysia. We salute you, Mokhtar!
RAMASAMY LETCHEMANAH (April 25, 1950 - Oct 18, 2005)
R. Letchemanah, better known as the “Mighty Man”, was best remembered for using his hair to pull a 32.5-tonne Boeing 737 over a distance of 16.85m on Sept 30, 1990, at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Selangor.
It was a world record entry and inspired many Malaysians to strive for greater heights. It was admired by other challengers in the world.
On May 1, 1999, Letchemanah once again put Malaysia in the international spotlight with anotherworld record when he used his hair to pull a double-decker bus, weighing 7,874kg, over a distance of 30m (98ft). The event was held at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Leicestershire, UK.
After a life devoted to hair-pulling stunts, Mighty Man R. Letchemanah died on Oct 18, 2005, at the age of 55. His death was due to a heart valve infection, two years after receiving a transplant.
