“IT’S solved,” said singer Datuk Zainal Abidin on the matter of receiving his payment for performing at the closing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Sea 2017 (KL2017) on Aug 30.
“My management informed me yesterday that I had been paid in full,” he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
It was reported on Wednesday that the singer had appointed a legal firm to begin legal action for the recovery of the amounts due to him.
Zainal, 58, was apparently promised RM28,000 but was only paid RM14,840.
“I did it to shake things up. Yes, it’s not a huge amount, but it’s a matter of principle. Musicians and artistes should be given their due payment for services rendered.”
He said since the payment was made on Wednesday, he instructed for the suit to be dropped.
“I don’t blame anyone,” he said.
Talking about the company in question, Memories Entertainment Sdn Bhd, he added: “They’re an established company and I’ve worked with them many times before, from way back during my Headwind days.”
“I did eventually call up the company up to say that I’m sorry for the matter, but they told me that there was no need to apologise since it was my right and that I was being professional,” he said.
In a statement issued by Memories Entertainment Sdn Bhd yesterday, payment to those involved in the opening and closing ceremonies for the sporting event had already been made in full, or in stages, by the company.
It was revealed that the remaining RM13,160 owed to Zainal had already been paid.
“We have been working and communicating with the Malaysian Organising Committee (Masoc) of KL2017 on matters pertaining to payment (of performers).
“We are aware of the issue and agree to the Nov 30 deadline that has been set by Masoc for the payments to be settled.”