KUALA LUMPUR: Sometime last year, singer and actor Alif Satar had shared on his Instagram account that the secret behind his late uncle Datuk Nassier Wahab's youthful looks was his practice of reciting the Al-Quran's surah (chapter) Yusuf regularly to enhance the radiance of his face.
Nassier, who was a popular singer in the 80s, passed away at 12.45am today. He was 57. He left behind his wife Datin Fatimah Abd Rauf, 56, and daughter Intan Najihah, 22.
Known for hit songs like Sekali Aku Jatuh Cinta, Nassier's death took many of his friends, fans and people in the entertainment industry by surprise because not many people knew that the singer, who always had a sweet smile on his face, had been facing health challenges in recent years.
Former Utusan Malaysia entertainment journalist Saharudin Mohd Musthafa regretted not having had the chance to visit Nassier as the ailing singer was not in a condition to receive visitors.
In a Facebook post this morning, Saharudin, who now works at Astro Awani, said the last time he met the singer was on May 8 when the latter was invited to be an AWANI Community newsreader.
"I will also remember abang (referring to Nassier) as an artiste with a big heart, as a loving brother, a friend who never let people down, as well as a man of noble character," he wrote.
Popular singer Nana, whose real name is Siti Nordiana Alias, uploaded a photograph of her with the late singer on her Instagram account. She said she last met Nassier on Oct 5 and described him as a "loving brother who was always ready to give advice even when he was not well".
Actress Anne Ngasri, on her Instagram, shared a video of Nassier with his family that was taken at a function.
In her post, she said she regarded Nassier as a family member and that his "heart was as good as his appearance".
Nassier, who was born in Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah, on April 18, 1962, also acted in movies and television dramas. He acted alongside A.R. Badul in the film Si Jantung.
He has a certificate in Music Theory and Technology from Joseph Chamberlain College in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Nassier's hit songs include Memori Cinta Luka, Bayangan Wajah Duka, Sebuah Janji Tak Bererti, Undangan Rindu, and a duet Susah Senang Kita Bersama with singer Ramlah Ram.
He also participated in the second season of popular reality show Gegar Vaganza, organised by Astro Awani, in 2015 and received fourth placing.
In June this year, Nassier underwent surgery to remove a growth on his left jaw. Last year, he underwent surgery to remove a tumour on his neck. -- BERNAMA