Dr Siti Hasmah shows her violin playing skill during the concert. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: A special and rare appearance by Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali mesmerised a packed audience who gave her a standing ovation at a concert in Istana Budaya here Saturday night.
The concert featured singing legends Datuk Jamal Abdillah and Datuk M. Nasir while the Prime Minister’s wife entertained the audience by playing the violin for three songs, Fatwa Pujangga, Engkau Laksana Bulan and Gubahan Ku.
What made it even more poignant was when she dedicated her appearance — believed to be the first time she performed in a public concert — to Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, the fireman who died last Monday after succumbing to serious injuries sustained during last month’s fracas at a Hindu temple in Subang Jaya.
Dr Siti Hasmah, in a brief speech before taking to her violin, said Muhammad Adib’s wedding was supposed to have taken place on the same day as the concert (yesterday) but he was called to his maker.
She also asked the audience to recite the Alfatihah prayer which was led by Jamal Abdillah.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in a special message for the four-night concert which ended yesterday, described ‘Konsert Duo Lagenda’ (Legendary Duo Concert) as the ‘Concert of the Year’.
“The combination of Jamal Abdillah and M. Nasir, two big and famous names in the entertainment industry would certainly attract the attention of music fans in the country.
“I was also excited when told that the two big names would participate in the concert. I also felt proud when asked to be the patron and expressed my thanks for being given the opportunity to write the welcoming message in conjunction with the Duo’s Concert,” he said.
Dr Mahathir was confident that the concert would become a memorable event for the local music fans.
The Prime Minister also expressed his deep appreciation to Jamal Abdillah and M. Nasir by saying he believed that Malaysians generally would appreciate the achievements of the two artistes who reached the peak of their career through determination and hard work. — Bernama