KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran pop singer Datuk M. Daud Kilau has announced his retirement from showbiz, citing health problems as the main reason.
The 81-year-old artiste from Bagan Datuk, Perak, said that his health did not permit him to "gelek" on stage anymore, and this meant that fans could no longer enjoy watching his "killer moves".
“Yes, it's time for me to call it a day in entertainment, and my decision is purely for health reasons. I have been in and out of hospital over the last few years and I visit the doctors every two to three weeks these days," he said in a news report today.
Daud Kilau who also suffers from diabetes and urinary problems recently turned down an invitation from Singaporean rock group Black Dog Bone to be a guest at its concert in the Lion City.
“I was delighted that they invited me, but sorry, my health didn't permit me to join them on stage."
The veteran singer said that even though he missed performing, he accepted his condition as a fact of life.
“There will come a time when all of us have to throw in the towel due to infirmity, and this is what has happened to me now.
“Even though I'm not dancing and singing any more, I frequently bump into fans in the street and I keep in touch with some of them, too.
“And whenever I miss my fans, I go through my wardrobe to have a good look at the dozens of colourful and glittery costumes which I used to wear for my performances.
“I thank God for blessing me with longevity, and I am grateful to be able to get on with my daily life and spend quality time with my loved ones," he added.
In February 2016, Daud Kilau was hospitalised with a urinary ailment at Selayang Hospital.
In May last year, he was admitted to the Teluk Intan Hospital after he blacked out in Bagan Datuk.
Daud Kilau, the youngest of 10 siblings, first found fame by winning Bintang Radio Singapore in 1968.
In 1985, he won the Asli music contest Pesta Dendang Rakyat.
Also known as Raja Gelek, he has released 21 studio albums beginning with Anak Yang Pertama in 1972.
His best known songs include Cek Mek Molek, Sirih Pinang and Raja Gelek, a duet with One Nation Emcees.
In 1991, he was awarded the Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak which carried the title Datuk from the late Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak.