BANDUNG: Malaysian pop diva Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin has been proposed as the Cultural Ambassador of the Malay Community in efforts to strengthen ties between countries in the archipelago.
POP IDOL: Siti entertaining the media at the Malaysia-Indonesia Economic Seminar in Hotel Hyatt Regency Bandung. — Bernama photo
The proposal was brought up by the Association of Malaysian and Indonesian Journalists (ISWAMI) based on the community’s overwhelming acceptance towards Siti Nurhaliza’s personality.
“When the title comes from the public and she is loved by them, the title will remain forever,” said Indonesia ISWAMI chief Saiful Hadi Chalid when met by Bernama here yesterday.
Saiful Hadi, who is also the editor-in-chief of the Indonesian National News Agency (Antara), said this during a speech at the Malaysia-Indonesia Economic Seminar (SEMI 10) launched by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah.
Explaining the proposal further, Saiful Hadi said he believed the songstress could play an effective role to help ease strained relations should there be a crisis between Malaysia and Indonesia.
“When heated issues arise, we don’t need to send Malaysian or Indonesian delegates to appease the situation. Send Siti Nurhaliza to sing and tell the people what a waste it is to fight … this will warm the hearts of those who used to see things in a negative light,” he said.
Saiful Hadi said Siti Nurhaliza has a large fan base in Indonesia who consider her an icon with a positive personality.
He compared her to the late Umi Kalthum who was able to unite the Arab countries through her popularity as an Arab singer when the region was fighting.
“Egypt, Saudi Arabia, North Yemen and South Yemen were in a conflict with each other, but when Umi Kalthum sang all the Arab countries broadcasteded it on the radio and TV,” he said.
Meanwhile, when met, Siti Nurhaliza said she was touched by the proposal and felt it was a big honour and responsibility, but added she was ready to play a role to help humanity.
However, she hoped it would also be carried out with the help of other parties.
“We are all given our individual specialities, and if what I have can be shared for the good of all then, I will do so,” she added. — Bernama