KUALA LUMPUR: A recent reminder by his doctor that he might lose his memory prompted rock legend Saleem to become more health-conscious.
“That came as a shock to me. What if I lose my sanity or my memory? I needed to take better care of myself or such terrible thoughts become a reality,” he said in a news report yesterday.
Saleem, 58, who found fame as the lead singer of rock group Iklim in the 1980s, has been suffering from bouts of ill health for the last few years.
Nevertheless, the singer who popularised the hit song Suci Dalam Debu is now determined to get well, with the love and support of his family.
“What the good doctor said was a wake up call for me. It’s God’s way of nudging me to fight my way back to good health,” said Saleem, whose real name is Salim Abdul Majeed.
“I thank God that I can still remember people’s names, telephone numbers and most of the songs that I sing. I’ve been able to meet the challenges.”
“I’m glad to have had a second chance to be a healthier and better person. I want to thank my wife and children, and fans, for always praying for my well-being and giving me support.”
Saleem proved to fans that he was truly on the mend yesterday, at his Showcase Saleem Raja Balada – Syokk Ooo at the Malaysia Tourism Centre in Jalan Ampang here.
He performed 15 songs, mostly from his days with Iklim, such as Suci Dalam Debu and Hakikat Sebuah Cinta.
The concert was specially held to raise funds for artistes with health problems, namely Datuk M. Daud Kilau, Hail Amir, Bob Lokman and Wan Maimunah.