By : Anis Ibrahim

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Datuk Siti Nurhaliza (left) and Datin Paduka Seri Jeanne Abdullah (second from left) presenting Hoo Ah Pang with a goodie bag after a lunch with senior citizens at SJK (Cina) Chin Hwa in Pinang Tunggal yesterday.

KEPALA BATAS: It may be tiring, but going on the campaign trail has brought Datin Paduka Seri Jeanne Abdullah closer to the people.

“Visiting the people in kampungs and small towns is so fulfilling. I’ve never had the chance to do so on such a large scale, so this has been a wonderful experience,” said the prime minister’s wife yesterday.

Jeanne said despite the long hours, she enjoys campaigning.

“It’s exhausting, but it is not a burden. When I see the warm response from the public, it is worth it,” she said after attending a lunch with senior citizens at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Chin Hwa at Pinang Tunggal.

Earlier, Jeanne gave out ang pow and goodie bags to 200 senior citizens from Kepala Batas.

In her speech, she called on youths to cherish the time they have with their parents.

“Our parents have sacrificed so much for us. If you treat them well, when you grow old, you too will be looked after.”

Aminah Rejab, 80, said she would vote for Barisan Nasional as usual this year. “They have done so much for us, it’s only fair that I show my loyalty to them.”

The senior citizens were also treated to two songs by singer Datuk Siti Nurhaliza.

The popular singer started off her performance with a Mandarin song, drawing cheers and applause from the audience.

 

source: the new straits times

By : SHUIB TAIB

2008/01/29

The gathering of creative talents at the 4th Cipta Ekspres 2008.

The irama Malaysia music genre gets a boost from MACP and songstress Siti Nurhaliza, writes SHUIB TAIB.

M. Nasir (left) and Siti entertained the crowd with an impromptu duet.

MUSIC Author’s Copyright Protection (MACP) has dedicated its recent four-day 4th Cipta Ekspres 2008 event to the irama Malaysia music genre. Chairman Habsah Hassan said that of late, not much attention has been given to this type of melody and it is “suffering” as a result.

Co-incidentally, MACP, which co-organised the event with the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage), also learnt that Datuk Siti Nurhaliza has been looking for material for her upcoming traditional album for the last three years.

“Usually, when we organise this event, we get composers to write songs for the function.

“Unlike past events, all composers this time are hand-picked by us. Most are award winners while some, such as Radhi OAG, are participating for the first time,” said Habsah.
“Since Siti is looking for songs, we got top composers come up with traditional numbers. This is also a belated birthday gift for her.

“Siti is under no obligation to record the songs but it would be great if she did.”

The event saw top-notch songwriters gathering in Port Dickson to come up with songs by the end of the fourth day.

Spotted were M. Nasir, Fauzi Marzuki, Adnan Abu Hassan, Johari Teh, S. Atan, Johan Nawawi, Khairil Johari Johar, Zul Mahat and lyricists Ad Samad, S. Amin Shahab, Alfa Booty, Zubir Ali and Abot.

Although MACP expected 10 songs to be written by the end of the event, creative juices flowed with composers coming up with 13 numbers!

Siti, who attended the event on the last day, was full of praise of the songs.

Accompanied by husband Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, the singer, who had just returned from performing the haj in Mecca, has given her assurance that she will be using some of the songs for her album.

The songs were performed by Rosma AF, Zila Seeron, Mohaizam Ahmad, Azfar Booty, Khairil Johari Johar and Zubir Ali.

“There are plenty of good songs tonight. Although the production is still raw, I’m pleasantly impressed by the quality. I’ve tried writing songs myself and it is not easy,” said Siti, who wrote the lyrics for several songs on her past albums including Percayalah.

She added that MACP couldn’t have given her a better gift.

“This is truly a meaningful gift. It is also an honour for me to be among the first few to listen to the songs and to be in the presence of such greatness. If my latest album is Hadiah Daripada Hati, this may be called Hadiah Daripada Komposer.”

The ministry represented by its director-general (arts development division) Mohd Adnan Hamzah, also gave its assurance that the songs not used by Siti will be aired in its social campaigns.

“We will work together with MACP. Hopefully the songs can be used for our TV commercials,” said Mohd Adnan.

source: the new straits times online

By : RADIN SRI GHAZALI

2008/01/10

Some of the artistes and composers who will be battling for the crowning glory of AJL Song of the Year.

With a new venue and an exciting theme, Anugerah Juara Lagu 22 promises to give a definite boost to the ratings. RADIN SRI GHAZALI finds out what’s on the cards.

ANUGERAH Juara Lagu 22 (AJL 22) is going to be bigger and better this year.

On Jan 27 at Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Misha Omar and Jaclyn Victor will headline the event, and bands Estranged and Jinbar are making a comeback.

Veteran crooners Aishah and Ramlah Ram (both of whom have won the competition) also make their return to the music industry.

“We want to provide a different atmosphere from past years. Music brings many magical moments and this is what we want to create in the finals,” said TV3 General Manager of Entertainment, Sports & Recreation Azhar Borhan, explaining the theme this year — “Music Magic”.
Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil will undergo a makeover to reflect the theme.

“We want to ensure that the audiences at home and at the stadium are able to feel the magical ambience,” said Tengku Sahilawati Tengku Jehori, the producer of the final.

The regular hosts of the Muzik-Muzik weekly series, Cheryl Samad and Faizal Ismail, will act as hosts for the final, accompanied by Ally Iskandar of Malaysia Hari Ini fame, and Melodi’s Farah Fauzana.

Wouldn’t the affair be too “crowded” with four outspoken hosts?

“It has been done before and I do believe with a 21/2 hour show, we can accommodate four presenters. They each have a unique way of presentation and the combination will be something rather exciting to watch. Imagine having four bubbly presenters on one stage,” said Azhar.

When asked about Siti Nurhaliza’s change in image — wearing the hijab (veil) after her return from the Haj, Azhar said: “We have not received any information. Thus, we are a bit uncertain on what to expect from her for the event.”

Siti’s “new” image may give an extra boost to the ratings of the show.

“The whole image issue might aid in boosting the ratings but I do believe that this year’s strong line-up of finalists is sufficient in getting ratings up,” he added.

The grand finale will be opened by Jinbara (Farhana-Puteri Bumi Kenyalang). Then come Nora (Samudera), Fazli Zainal (Harapan), Siti Nurhaliza (Destinasi Cinta), Faizal Tahir (Mahakarya Cinta), Aishah (Kasihnya Balkis), Misha Omar/Andy Flop Poppy (Sembunyi), Sofaz (Janjiku), Shari (Izinku Pergi), Mawi (Angan Dan Sedar), Jaclyn Victor/Lah VE (Ceritera Cinta), Estranged (Itu Kamu), Ramlah Ram (Dirgahayu) and the closing by Faizal with his song Kasih Tercipta.

Ramlah Ram returns to the music scene after seven years of non-participation in the finals of AJL.

“I am thrilled to be back in the competition and I am indeed overwhelmed with the response towards my comeback and album,” said the songbird, who won the competition in 1988 with her hit song, Kau Kunci Cintaku Di Dalam Hatimu.

“We have at least two weeks to prepare and I am bent on giving my best for the night’s performance,” she added.

Meanwhile, Faizal Tahir, 28, of One In A Million fame says of his songs, Kasih Tercipta and Mahakarya Cinta, which he will be delivering for the finals: “I do not have a favourite. I would love to have both songs win the competition because each has its own diversity and strength,” he said.

“I love being spontaneous and just seizing the moment.”

Akademi Fantasia 1 graduate Shari is more than willing to fill in the shoes of Kaer with the hit ballad Izinku Pergi.

“Kaer is not able to give his full commitment to the show as he is occupied with his studies in Indonesia. But I am very grateful for the opportunity to sing the song both in semi-finals and finals,” he said.

“I will start a workout regime to gain good stamina and I will also be attending vocal classes,” he said.

As for rock outfit Jinbara, the boys are not tensed about delivering a grand opening performance.

“We do not really want to burden ourselves by thinking about it. We just want to give our best and rock the audience with the song,” said Ahtan, the drummer of the band.

But what can the fans expect to see from a band that often gives electrifying live performances?

“There will be something different, of course, a musical collaboration. Not with singers but fellow musicians,” he added, saying Farhana (Puteri Bumi Kenyalang) will go changes in music arrangement.

AJL 22 will be aired live at 8.30pm. It will be preceded by AJL X-Klusif at 7.30pm.

source: the new straits times

2007/12/13

By : SHUIB TAIB

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Siti hopes her hopes for a child will be fulfilled soon.

Pop queen Siti Nurhaliza’s off on the Haj after launching her new album. SHUIB TAIB finds out what her plans are.

SONGSTRESS Datuk Siti Nurhaliza turns 29 next month. And yesterday she left for Mecca to perform the Haj, something she has wanted to do before turning 30.

She may sport a headscarf on her return but that’s a decision she’ll take when she is back.

“I can’t really say when, though; but when I do, it will not be because of anyone else but because I want to,” said the singer at the launch of her latest album Hadiah Daripada Hati earlier this week.

“I don’t think (wearing the tudung) it will lessen my popularity because my fans accepted me because of my talent first, not my hair or my image.

“Besides, you can still create all kinds of images with the tudung,” said the singer who was once criticised for refusing to take pictures with male celebrities.

(For the record, Siti has been been photographed with male personalities but mostly at awards shows and never for a cover of a magazine).

Siti recently renewed contracts with Pantene (a haircare product) and said the company doesn’t seem to mind although she has made it known to them her intention to cover up.

Of her album, Siti said she chose the title as it is more direct, unlike the previous album Transkripsi which was “tinged with messages”.

“Hadiah Daripada Hati is really that (a gift from the heart). Hati (heart) is the most lonely organ but it is the one that whispers hopes, aspirations and dreams to you.

“I wasn’t sure if it would be on par with Transkrispi (which won Best Album at the last Anugerah Industri Muzik) but once it was mastered, I thought it sounded quite good.”

The album contains more mid-tempo than slow numbers, she said, and of the slow numbers Melawan Kesepian (composed by Pongky Barata who also wrote her hit Seindah Biasa from her 10th album, Prasasti Seni) is one of her favourites.

The album features compositions from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Siti included works by Azlan Abu Hassan (Biarkan and Sekian lama) and Sharon Paul (Hati, the theme song for Shuhami Baba’s latest film, 1957:Hati Malaya, and Cintamu).

For the first time, a composition by Singapore songwriter Dick Lee is on Siti’s album. The song, Mulanya Cinta was performed by Siti in the recently-concluded P. Ramlee, The Musical.

Then there is Ku Mahu, the theme song for drama series Spa Q composed by Audi Mok with lyrics by Rina Khan.

Siti said that if Anuar Zain has a song called Lelaki Ini, she has one called Wanita (Muhammad Fahmi Rizal/Shanty Ramadani) while Tanpa Kalian (Taufik/Siti Nurhaliza and Taufik) best describes her relationships with close friends like fans and the media.

The other two are Kerana Dirimu (Cynthia Lamusu) and Sutramaya (Aubrey Suwito/Tinta S), a song which she recorded last.

Although it was a bit of a rush, Siti managed to get it all done by the release date, three days before she left for Mecca.

“It was planned that way. I wanted this album out before I leave so that I can fully concentrate on my pilgrimage,” said the singer.

Siti also launched her latest business venture, SN Mobile Digital, through which fans can download her songs by mobile phone (just type SN and send the text message to 33777).

Since her marriage to Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, local media have been vying for a scoop on her expected pregnancy.

She said she was not concerned about having put on a few pounds. “I’d rather be healthy. Since I’m trying to get pregnant, I don’t think going on a crash diet is a good idea. Yes, my husband has noticed that I’ve grown in size but he’s never asked me to shed any. In fact, he’s been very supportive of what I do,” she said.

Siti said she had cut back on 70 per cent of her singing activities and found it harder to not only stay slim, but to sing as well.

“There were a few songs which took me longer to record. The thing is, when I was still single, I used to sing almost every night, which was good practice. But now I don’t perform that much and the lack of practice has made it difficult to sing perfectly.

“When you don’t sing as often, you tend to get pitchy here and there and breathing correctly is a factor.

“However, my producer Aubrey Suwito never pressured me and told me to go home and come back when I was ready because he knew that I could sing better,” said Siti.

Siti is scheduled to be in Mecca for two weeks with Khalid, mother Siti Salmah Bachik, brother Saiful Bahri and others in an entourage comprising slightly more than 20 people.

When asked what she would pray for in Mecca, Siti flashed another smile and replied playfully in a child-like manner, “Adalah!”

“Well, of course I would ask God the best for my family and me, and for a child. Khalid will be extremely happy if we have a girl, since he already has four boys,” said Siti matter-of-factly.

She also admits to being slightly pressured for not having conceived, but said: “All I can say is, belum ada rezeki (it’s not meant to be yet).”

 

source: the new straits times

By : ABDUL RAZAK AHMAD

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What do Malaysians think about Malaysia? What are the experiences that shape our feelings for the country? Over the next few weeks, we will hear from different Malaysians as they share with us their thoughts and ideas about Malaysia in this series called Voices. Not coincidentally, this is also the theme for the NST’s year-end pullout. ABDUL RAZAK AHMAD gets the ball rolling by talking to Datuk Tony Fernandes who is doing everything he can to sell Brand Malaysia to Malaysians and the rest of the world.

Q: What has the year been like?

A: It’s been a phenomenal year. Our profits have been great, we won airline of the year (Airline Of The Year 2007 award by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation), the first time a Malaysian company has done that, beating Emirates, Singapore Airlines and others. I suppose getting the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur routes represents a feather in our cap. We also launched AirAsia X, and it’s great to be in partnership with (Sir) Richard Branson, who is an icon himself.

One accomplishment I’m really proud of is that wherever I go we’re always referred to as Malaysia AirAsia, or Malaysia’s AirAsia. If I walk around in KL people know me but in London, very few do. But that number is growing, and that shows that our brand is becoming more significant.

Q: What are the major lessons?

A: Maybe, patience. It has its virtue sometimes, but we are a company in a rush. Malaysia Airlines is celebrating its 60th year, and we are only celebrating our sixth year, but we’re still proud to see what we’ve been able to achieve. It shows what Malaysia and Malaysians can do if we put our minds to it.

Q: What were the low points? And how did you overcome them?

A: I’m disappointed that another uneven surface has been opened, that Firefly can operate from Subang and we can’t. I pray for the day that we can have a level playing field with Malaysia Airlines. I feel that we could do many more things together, and I feel that as Malaysian companies, competition is good and we should compete, and the real competition is out there. And we should do more together.

Q: You often lament about an uneven playing field between your private company and the government-linked MAS. Is this a problem in general for other private companies in the country?

A: Sometimes the problem of a private company versus a GLC is we just don’t get the airtime the GLC gets with the political leadership. There’s no one to blame for this. I have confidence in the government but it is frustrating. I think we could be twice the size we are now.

Q: You have travelled widely, lived and worked abroad, yet you chose to come back to Malaysia. Why?

A: I came back, and I’m a big advocate (of returning). When I went to a UKEC (United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students) programme and gave speeches at universities in England, I advocated that people should come home.

One, it’s home. I don’t care what anyone says. There is only one home. Anywhere else is adopted. And no one can take that from me. I have a blue IC and a red passport. And I’m proud of it, even though I can live anywhere in the world, and most places would welcome me.

Two, I’m very nationalistic. From a young age, my mother used to be so pro-Singapore Airlines and anti-MAS, and now, funny how life has changed - I always argue with her about MAS being the best. In the last Olympics I watched every single Malaysian perform. If I support the All Blacks in rugby, or the West Indies or India in cricket, it’s not my country.

Third, I was born here; I received a good education because my parents did well in Malaysia, and so I felt it was my responsibility to come back. It’s not perfect, Malaysia. But where is perfect?

I’m the sort of person who doesn’t believe in just sitting back and complaining. Come back and make a difference. Now especially, more and more have this perception that, oh, there must be someone behind Tony Fernandes. I’ve heard so many different names. The most famous being Ananda Krishnan, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, (Tan Sri) Vincent Tan, (Datuk) Mokhzani Mahathir, Khairy Jamaluddin, I mean you name it. But we are the best advertisement that anything is possible in Malaysia.

Q: Was there any point in the early years when you returned that you felt you should have stayed away?

A: No, never. I’ve always loved this place and our people. We’re unique. James Ingram (American soul musician) — I brought him down when I was in Warner Music — once said to me the American government should visit here. Because he couldn’t get over how all the races here get together, the intermarriage, the people going out together. Yeah, we have our racial problems, but we generally get on with each other.

I know I’ve persuaded many people to come back. I know that I have been involved in bringing many who migrated abroad to come back. And I don’t think for one minute they have regretted it.

Q: Who are your Malaysian heroes, the people who inspire you?

A: There are so many. I always talk about “Mr IOI” (Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, founder of the IOI Group). I love his story of how he started, selling ice cream on a bicycle, and now he’s owner of one of the biggest oleo-chemical companies. And you know what I love about him? I went to one of his estates, and I noticed his passion. He’s obviously now a very, very rich guy, but he still enjoys going out there and showing me seeds. I mean, to me, a seed is just a seed, but his passion! So that guy really stands out for me.

Tan Sri Naza (Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin, Naza Group chairman and chief executive officer) is another guy I really like. He never ages and is always pushing to be the best, and Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam (Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd chairman), too. He started in one industry, got a chance in another. All of them seized their chances.

And look at what Nazir Razak (Datuk Mohamed Nazir Razak, group chief executive, CIMB) has done. Yeah, he was born with a silver spoon. He’s my friend. He wasn’t my friend three years ago — I thought he was arrogant. I didn’t give CIMB our IPO. But I’m proud of what he’s done and to be associated with him now. He’s gone out there and put CIMB on the map of banking in the world. He goes out there and he brands. I mean, come on, CIMB is now a household name.

Q: What’s the common trait of the people who inspire you?

A: Most of them managed to come up from nowhere and just do something. They are people whom, given a chance, will do much more, and who succeed despite adversity. I love it, I love seeing it.

Q: Every now and then, something happens that unites all Malaysians and there is an overwhelming “proud to be Malaysian feeling”. Recent examples are usually sports-related, like when Nicol David became the World No 1 in women’s squash. Do you think we as Malaysians have lost that feeling?

A: Do I think Malaysians feel this less? No, but I think Malaysians need icons. When Zainal Abidin and Sheila Majid gained success as music artistes, and even Siti Nurhaliza, they’re about the only artistes able to ignite that Malaysian pride. You’ll see all the races supporting them, able to transcend their differences.

So we do want a Malaysian “brand”. I’m proud of being part of it. We don’t sell it enough — this Bangsa Malaysia we talk about. I hope for the next generation, well, it’s my dream anyway, that we don’t put ourselves down as Chinese, Indian, Malay, but as Malaysian. And I hope there’s a Barisan Nasional that I can join. I think our “brand” is our biggest selling point, because there’s no country in Asia quite like us.

Q: How do you think we can get the youth of Malaysia to be proud of our country?

A: What I tell them is, one, I say, look at AirAsia. We were just three guys from the music industry with not a lot of money, no experience, no political connections — zero. Datuk Pahamin Rajab was the only guy with connections, and with due respect to him, he’s not the person with the strongest political connections around, though he is respected.

But we’ve been able to build an airline and compete with Malaysia Airlines and have slowly been able to close the uneven playing field. No one has an answer to explain that away! So who says you can’t do anything?

Where else in Asean can this (AirAsia) happen? In the aviation industry, nowhere. Singapore hasn’t managed to do it. And in Singapore it’s a function of the government. Tiger Air is owned by Temasek and Singapore Airlines.

So no one can give me an answer and say Malaysia is not fair. No one can say that no one gets equal opportunities. I did. I am living proof that we can. That’s what I tell the students, like those in the UK. I said you live in a wonderful country, don’t believe what you hear, it’s up to you, because Malaysians are their own worst enemy.

But I don’t think anyone in any country would have been able to achieve what we have, and it’s because of our government, and it’s because of the fairly level playing field. Of course, I want it completely level, who wouldn’t? But in six years, we’ve achieved a lot, and we owe a lot of it to the government.

Q: What’s your wish for 2008 — for AirAsia, and also your hopes as a Malaysian?

A: I hope the country can spur more private investors. I hope there can be more encouragement given, and that it’s not rhetoric. I hope more investment can be put in education, much more emphasis on education.

You asked is it just sports that bring us together. No. It can be music, movies, and companies. When we have something to be proud about, that brings us together. So what’s lacking in education? More emphasis on sports and the arts.

From the sports field, you get your first eradication of colour. No one can say “pass the ball to him — he’s an Indian winger, or a Chinese or Malay”. It’s from there you first learn teamwork and working together.

Now, we’re just memorising 15,000 books to get 15As. How sad it is to see a girl committing suicide because she didn’t get it. Education is not about getting 15As, which I didn’t come close to getting.

Education is also about sports, interaction, about learning how to work as a team, about leadership. And we do not put enough emphasis on sports.

You can put all the money into FAM, but where did the Soh Chin Auns and Arumugams and all those guys come from? Schools, and playing football in the padang. Where are the padang nowadays?

Two, is art, drama and music. That’s where you gain a sharing of culture and breaking down the invisible barriers.

Q: Do you face problems getting people with the right qualities when you recruit?

A: Yeah, I do. We’re not getting enough people who can think out of the box. Because you don’t have creativity in schools anymore. Like in art and drama, which is where you learn to express yourself. So, getting enough creative thinkers is a problem.

Q: On occasion though we do see bits and pieces of a Malaysia united and able to transcend ethnic barriers.

A: It’s coming, it was there, we lost it, and now I think the government’s aim is to promote it. I don’t believe that anyone is marginalised. I believe that ultimately we marginalise ourselves.

Malaysians are their own worst enemies. They just sit there and say, “No, it can’t be done,” even before they try. My philosophy is, try and, if you fail, try again. Because I don’t want to reach 55 and say “I should have done this”. But my dream for the future is my belief — I really believe in Malaysia as a Malaysian.

Take the AirAsia Academy. It’s a microcosm of what I’d like to see in Malaysian schools. I don’t think any pilot training academy is like ours. We have lots of social functions, we get the crew and pilots and engineers to do concert productions, we involve ourselves in sports.

Why do I do that? Because I have a bigger problem than just Malaysia. I have Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. And they all have different cultures and they all want to do their own thing.

I bring them all to the academy, I don’t care if you’re from Cambodia or whatever, you train in one place. It’s in that one place that we mould one culture.

Q: Would you please share with us what you think is a quintessential Malaysian experience?

A: Two things come to mind. One is food. If you want to see one thing that unifies our country it’s food. Whether it’s a mamak stall or Malay stall, everyone knows everything about all our good food regardless of race.

The other quintessential experience I find peculiar to our country is how we criticise our sportsmen.

Whether you’re Indian, Chinese, Malay, Punjabi, when you sit in the audience at Bukit Jalil and our team is playing badly, the insults are all the same!

That’s the other thing I love about Malaysia. We always know how to do it better!

But anyone can try to argue with me about Malaysia not being a great place and I’d tear them apart. I really would, because I believe in Malaysia.

 

source: the new straits times

2007/12/02

By : RADIN SRI GHAZALI

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Siti ending her unlucky streak, her up-tempo number Destinasi Cinta made it to the finals of AJL 22 in the Pop/Rock category.

After a two–year’ absence, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza is back in the groove as an Anugerah Juara Lagu 22 finalist.

Although Ameer of Sofaz failed to deliver, the band was saved by the popularity of their song Janjiku.

THE pop/rock genre dominated the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) 22 as six of its performers who had competed in the semi-finals recently marched into the finals.

They are Datuk Siti Nurhaliza who sang Destinasi Cinta (composed by Lin Li Zen and Rozie Abdul Razak), Mawi with Angan Dan Sedar (M. Nasir and Loloq), Misha Omar and Andy (Flop Poppy) with Sembunyi (Aidit Alfian and Loloq), Estranged who sang Itu Kamu (Estranged and Richeal Lawrence), Sofaz who performed Janjiku (Taja and Tass) and Jinbara with Farhana (Puteri Bumi Kenyalang) (Denai and Andy Rahman).

“We had no intention of springing any surprises. It was a last minute decision by the judges to add another finalist,” said TV3 Entertainment, Sports and Recreation senior manager Azhar Borhan, commenting on the six songs — and not five, as expected — that made the cut.

“We are acting in the best interests of the competition by adding more songs. The Ethnic Creative genre category has minimal participation while Pop/Rock has the strongest selections for the year,” he added.

“Most of the songs in the category have been receiving massive airplay throughout the year. This is an important criterion for the song to make it to the finals,” he explained.

Despite the songs’ popularity, the performance in the semifinals played a crucial role in determining the finalists.

For Sofaz, the band nearly didn’t qualify as lead singer Ameer gave a below-average show.

The band did not perform well at the semi-finals but the song’s popularity from the start of the competition helped to pull it through, said Azhar.

As for Ameer, he wants to redeem himself by giving his best at the finals. “I was nervous and I regretted not giving my best,” he said.

Bands such as Jinbara and Estranged gave remarkable performances to seal their positions in the finals.

“We are glad that we made it despite the stiff competition,” said vocalist Tia of Jinbara.

Meanwhile, Rich, the lead singer of Estranged, is overwhelmed by the band’s achievement in the competition. “I have always been a big fan of Muzik-Muzik since I was in school. It is a dream come true for me and the band to make it to the finals,” he said.

The show also received a major boost by the inclusion of the country’s leading female vocalist, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza.

“I am happy to make it to the finals of AJL. I do not have any preference performing in any genres. I have done all categories, from Ethnic to Ballads, and they are all equally hard,” said Siti who didn’t make the cut in the Ballads category recently.

“I am going to give my best and I am thankful to the composers who have given me a great song,” she added, as Destinasi Cinta marks her comeback to the competition after a two–year absence.

The other finalists included Nora (Samudera, composed by Johan Nawawi and Fedtri Yahya), Aishah (Kasihnya Balkis, composed by Adnan Abu Hassan and Moharis Yaakup) and Ramlah Ram (Dirgahayu, composed by Radeen Sri and Hairul Anuar Harun) in the Ethnic Creative category.

The remaining finalists included Sahri (Izinku Pergi, composed by Azlan Abu Hassan and Sulu Sarawak), Jaclyn Victor and Lah VE (Ceritera Cinta, composed by Ross Ariffin and Habsah Hassan), Fazli Zainal (Harapan, composed by Hazami) and Faizal Tahir who made it with two songs – Kasih Tercipta (composed by Ajai and Shuhaimi Baba) and Maha Karya Cinta (Audi Mok and Shah Shamshiri) in the Ballads category.

 

source: the new straits times

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SHAH ALAM: It was a surprising exit for famed songstress Datuk Siti Nurhaliza who failed to march on to the finals of the Anugerah Juara Lagu last night after a two-year absence from the competition.

The songbird, who sang Bisakah (composed by Aubrey Suwito and Tessh R.S.) failed to capture the hearts of the judges.

But while it was not a good outing for the superstar, it was a night which left another contestant “speechless”.

Faizal Tahir made it to the finals with two songs — Kasih Tercipta (composed by Ajai and Shuhaimi Baba) and Maha Karya Cinta (Audi Mok and Shah Shamshiri).

“I am speechless. I simply cannot say anything at the moment.

“I would just like to thank the composers for such great songs,” said the elated singer.

The other three songs which made it to the finals are Izinku Pergi (sung by Sahri, composed by Azlan Abu Hassan and Sulu Sarawak), Ceritera Cinta (sung by Jaclyn Victor and Lah, composed by Ross Ariffin and Habsah Hassan) and Harapan (sung by Fazli Zainal, composed by Hazami).

The last round of the AJL semifinal will be held on Nov 25 for the Pop/Rock category.

 

source: the new straits times

 

By : Regina Lee

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Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and Dina Bato Sam Bua were overcome with emotion at the surprise visit while Tee Hui Yi (left) looks on.

KUALA LUMPUR: Heart tran-splant girl Tee Hui Yi is used to getting visits from VIPs.

But she could hardly believe her eyes yesterday when her idol, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, entered the visitor’s lounge at her ward about 9.30am.

Despite wearing a surgical mask, the 14-year-old lass lit up at the sight of the songstress, who was accompanied by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy and his wife Datin Seri Ann Chan.

Siti was seen wiping away tears as she spoke to Hui Yi.

Hui Yi’s mother, Dina Bato Sam Bua, was also overcome with emotion at Siti’s surprise visit.

The singer spent about five minutes with Hui Yi at the National Heart Institute and gave the teenager an autographed album before kissing her on the cheek.

Only selected photographers and cameramen were allowed into the ward as Hui Yi had developed a slight fever in the morning.

“Her strength is an inspiration and I pray that she recovers soon,” said Siti.

“When I met her, she was so happy. She told me that she has been a fan since she was young and told me to keep on singing.

“But I did not sing for her because we could not stay for too long and she was recovering.

“Although the visit was short, it was very meaningful to me.”

Siti also revealed that she was invited by Kong Choy to visit Hui Yi when he called her husband, Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, on Monday night.

However, Khalid could not accompany her as he was away on business.

Siti said she had initially planned to visit Hui Yi last month, but was unable to as Hui Yi was in the Intensive Care Unit.

Kong Choy also wished Hui Yi a speedy recovery and hoped that she would resume her studies soon.

Hui Yi has put her studies on hold for the past three years following her heart condition.

Kong Choy and his wife also presented Hui Yi a bouquet of flowers and a book on Qigong, a slow traditional Chinese breathing and movement exercise.

Hui Yi had a dramatic heart transplant procedure last month after she was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure from a viral infection when she was 2 years old.

 

source: the new straits times

By : Brian Yap

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LANGUAGE is of course one of the main pillars of any culture, a defining characteristic of any race.

Considering that Malaysia is a former British colony that is also home to three major and countless other races, it is not surprising that a plethora of languages and their dialects are used here.

What’s more, with so many foreign workers and international students in our urban centres these days, I almost have to think twice before opening my mouth — should I use Bahasa Malaysia, English, Cantonese or Mandarin?

Surprisingly, English is the language I feel most comfortable and confident using. I read, write, think and probably dream in the language. I say surprising because I never went to an English-medium school — aside from international schools, there was simply no such option available during my time. So for all 11 years of my primary and secondary education, I learned all subjects — except English, of course — in the national language.

At the same time, I had private Mandarin lessons when I was younger, but it never got very far. After quite a few years, the Taiwanese lady who taught me gave up in exasperation at my non-progress. Today, I can speak little more than casual Mandarin, and write little more than the three characters that make up my name.

It’s ironic that despite being taught Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, English would be the language I’m most proficient in. I suspect it had a lot to do with what my pop culture references were — meaning the books and magazines I read, the TV programmes I watched and the pop stars I looked up to.

In recent years, many have lamented the decline of the English language in Malaysia. The previous administration even tried to address this by making schools teach Maths and Science in English.

While it’s hard to argue that the learning of languages, especially one that is practically universal like English, is beneficial and crucial, I feel its importance is often overrated.

More than teaching Maths and Science in English, schools need to improve the standard of both subjects instead. If improving English is important, then it could be addressed with improving the quality and quantity of lessons instead.

The decision in 2003 to teach Maths and Science in English was a controversial one. The vernacular schools felt that it was another way for the government to exert control over them, while rural schools were worried about how well prepared the teachers would be, and if their students’ performance in Maths and Science subjects would decline because of the additional burden of learning an unfamiliar language.

It has now been all but confirmed that the sudden switch wasn’t the best of ideas. The initial plan was to have Year Six pupils answer their Mathematics and Science papers completely in English from next year.

But now, examinations in English for Maths and Science subjects will continue to remain optional.

Of course, it’s not quite a reversal of the decision, but there are obviously difficulties and doubts, which unfortunately leaves the education system in a state of a limbo. All that to improve the standard of English in this country.

For all the worries about our declining standard in English, we probably do have a better command of the language than many other countries in our region, generally speaking.

I’m confident that Malaysians on average speak better English than the Thais and Indonesians, for instance. Economically developed Asian countries like Japan, Korea and, now, China, have not been particularly disadvantaged by their lack of English skills, because they have other more important things to offer — a strong work ethic, a thirst for knowledge and progress, and a quality education that provides solid foundation. These are areas Malaysia needs to be more concerned about than merely mastering English.

English-speaking Malaysians often make light of others who cannot speak the language well, as if it were the only measure of intelligence and modernity.

For instance, pop star Siti Nurhaliza has been ridiculed by some for her inability to speak in English, even when she is interacting with foreign media. The few times she’s tried, some even pointed out her mispronounced words. But why should she care? She is the biggest pop star in Malaysia, with fans all over the region.

Smug English-speaking Malaysians can make fun of her all they want, but none of them will ever sell as many records as she does, nor entertain as many people.

No doubt, it would be ideal if all Malaysians had an excellent command of English. That would surely be an advantage in a time when much of the world’s communication is conducted in that language. The Internet, for instance, is overwhelmingly dominated by content in English.

But it’s silly to think that our progress depends solely on our ability to master the language. We need Malaysians to be more hardworking, intelligent, well-read and open-minded, and we can be all of those things in whatever language we choose.

 

source: The New Straits Times

2007/10/19

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Sean Ghazi (as P. Ramlee) and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza (as Azizah) in ‘P. Ramlee The Musical … The Life, The Love, The Inspiration’ yesterday.

KUALA LUMPUR: The much-awaited musical on the country’s “King of Entertainment”, Tan Sri P. Ramlee, premiered at Istana Budaya here yesterday.

P. Ramlee The Musical … The Life, The Love, The Inspiration, made its debut at 8.30pm.

All tickets for the show were sold out.

The two-hour musical, which runs until Nov 3, is produced by Enfiniti Productions, which also made Puteri Gunung Ledang — The Musical in 2005.

Its executive producer is Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina. Its co-directors are Zahim Albakri and Adlin Aman Ramlie, the host of talk show Jangan Tidur Lagi and Tiara’s co-star in Puteri Gunung Ledang.

Adlin, whose father was Ramlee’s close friend and fellow screen legend A.R. Tompel, also wrote the lyrics for the musical’s 20 songs, with music composed by acclaimed Singaporean composer Dick Lee.

Indonesian music maestro Erwin Gutawa is the music director, while Pat Ibrahim of reality television series So You Think You Can Dance? is the choreographer.

Taking on the role of Ramlee is West End musical Miss Saigon and Anna And The King star, Sean Ghazi.

Popular singer Liza Hanim plays Ramlee’s wife, Puan Sri Salmah Ismail, or Saloma.

Saloma’s niece, popular actress Melissa Saila, plays Norizan Mohd Noor, Ramlee’s Perak-born second wife. Norizan was the award-winning actress famous for her film, Esok Untuk Siapa?

Singaporean actress Junaidah Daeng Harris, Ramlee’s first wife and the mother of actor Nasir P. Ramlee, is played by jazz singer Raja Atilia Raja Haron, the daughter of veteran jazz star and “advertisement jingle queen” Salamiah Hassan.

Pop queen Datuk Siti Nurhaliza is making her debut in acting in the musical. She portrays the mysterious Azizah, widely believed to be Ramlee’s first love and the inspiration for his hit song Azizah.

The supporting cast includes Chedd Yusuf of Audition fame, GangStarz finalists Infinatez and So You Think You Can Dance? winner, Alam.

source : The New Straits Times