A Great Loss (P.Ramlee)

Since the death of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Putih (commonly known as P. Ramlee) on May 29, 1973, Malaysia’s entertainment industry has not yet revolutionised itself.

 

The most tragic news I’ve heard about the loss of this iconic figure is that he was a pauper right before his death. To add insult to injury, the late P. Ramlee was awarded his honorific title of Tan Sri 17 years after his death. 19 years (36 years after his death) after the first honorific title, he was then awarded the honorary Datuk Amar title.

 

To a great extent, this particular "fact" disturbs me every time I hear or see the name P. Ramlee. Someone with such talent was discredited and rejected by the entertainment industry at that time. No hard feelings, but these facts are written and will forever remind the nation and the industry of their lack of appreciation for greatness.

 

We idolise people because of their talent nowadays. More than ever. The littlest of talents (or so-called ‘talent’) can create fame, whether on mainstream media or social media. It becomes more difficult to find a talent as great as the late P. Ramlee, who created films and music that are evergreen.

 

Let this be a reminder that will be brought to the attention of any industry every year to appreciate the talent that we have while we have it.

 

This is probably, in my opinion, one of the most bitter histories we have that defines the people of our nation. Let’s not repeat.