THE BEST: Merazan receiving the prize from Taib (third right) at the prize presentation ceremony. Ragad is at second right.
KUCHING: For couple Merazan Mechang and Masitah Mohamad, their maiden attempt in the Bintang P Ramlee competition was a good outing when they were crowned as the state level Bintang P Ramlee champion.
The husband and wife team, who represented Bintulu, Miri and Limbang divisions at the finals held at Stadium Perpaduan on Saturday night, wooed the judges and spectators with their rendition of P Ramlee classics, starting with solo performance of ‘Derita’ and a duet on a song entitled ‘Bertemasya’.
“We did not expect to win as this was our first attempt but we are happy with the result. It is also the best birthday surprise for my wife who celebrated her 25th birthday today,” said Merazan when met after the prize presentation ceremony.
The couple, who returned home RM4,000 richer, will represent the state at the national level Bintang P Ramlee competition which will be hosted by the state in December.
BIG P RAMLEE FAN: Merazan and wife (centre) together with Abu Zahid and Nazirah (right) and Ahmad Ayud and Asparina.
Meanwhile, Abu Zahid Ibrahim and Nazirah Ya’akup, who represented Kuching and Samarahan divisions, won the second place with their performance of ‘Ku Rindu Padamu’ and ‘Ilham Tiba’.
The third place went to Ahmad Ayub and Asparina Abdul Sani, who also represented Kuching and Samarahan divisons, with their song ‘Di Pinggiran’ and ‘Masa Yang Bahagia’.
Held once every two years, the competition which started way back in 1988 had entered its 14th consecutive year.
Prizes were presented by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Taib’s wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) director general Datuk Norhayati Ismail and state ministers were among those attending the competition.