Datuk Sudirman Arshad

PEKAN: The late popular singer Sudirman Arshad, who died 17 years ago, was yesterday honoured posthumously with a Datukship from the Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah.

he versatile entertainer, who was best known for his energetic performance and melodic songs like Balik Kampung and Merisik Khabar and who gained international recognition after being crowned Asia's best performer in 1989, died at the age of 37 of lung infection.

Sudirman's elder sister Datin Rodziah Arshad received the Darjah Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (DSAP) which carries the title "Datuk" on his behalf. She said the family might not keep the award but place it in the Muzium Tokoh in Kuantan, Pahang.

Rodziah, in expressing the family's heartfelt gratitude for the recognition for their baby brother (Sudirman was the youngest of seven), said she felt the award should be seen by the public.

"We haven't really sat down to discuss the idea yet but since the museum included our brother in their exhibitions, I feel the medal should be a part of his exhibit as a cap to his singing career.

"This is the first such award given to him posthumously in honour of his contribution to society and we are grateful for that.

"Our brother's songs are still being played. People still remember him and talk about him. That's all we want -- for him to be remembered."

New Straits Times columnist Bridget Menezes, who has a weekly column, Inner Growth, in NST's Life and Times on Tuesdays, was awarded the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) which carries the title "Datuk".

The 73-year-old sprightly former music teacher and mother of three, who was born in Goa, India, but migrated with her family to Malaysia at the age of 4, said she was grateful for the honour and recognition.

"I was not born here but I've lived and given my life to the country. Being a Datuk will not turn my head.

"I am still me but I hope to make use of the title to continue to help others."

Another DIMP recipient was former model-turned-deejay Datuk Yasmin Yusuf who took time to reminisce about her friendship with Sudirman.

"We were schoolmates at Sultan Abu Bakar School in Kuantan.

"I was in Lower Six and he was in Upper Six.

"We got to know each other through our love for the performing arts.

"He was a beautiful person and I am glad that local artistes are also given the honour and recognition for their artistic contributions."

One hundred and eighty four recipients received the various honours and awards at yesterday's ceremony to mark the sultan's 78th birthday. source: nst