KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri P. Ramlee was not merely a great singer, actor, director and musician. In fact, he was also a poet, whose high-quality poems were incorporated into his songs and film dialogues.
The National Poets' Association of Malaysia (Pemuisi), Malaysian Film Directors' Association (FDAM) and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry honoured Ramlee as a legendary poet in a virtual poetry showcase Malam Puisi Getaran Jiwa Tan Sri P. Ramlee recently.
The event involved poetry recitals and musical performances by popular Ramlee tribute artiste Musly Ramlee, rock singer and actor Datuk Awie, and Ramlee's grand daughter Najua Nasir, among others.
The Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said that many of Ramlee's lyrics were works of great poetry, as well as thought-provoking social commentaries that remained relevant for all times.
"A lot of Ramlee's songs have deep, poetic meanings, and challenge us to reflect on different aspects of society. He was a thinker who was very much ahead of his time, who presented life's lessons in an entertaining, often humorous way," said Noor Zari.
Awie, who recited a poem Taming Sari Jadi Saksi written by Dr Zainatul Shuhaida Abdull Rahman and based on Ramlee's dialogue in the film Hang Tuah, said that Ramlee had always been his idol and inspiration.
"All artistes with diverse talents such as singing, acting and composing, have a lot to thank P. Ramlee for. I grew up with his music and film, and I'm as much a fan of him now as I was back then," said Awie, who recited his poem dressed in a traditional Malay costume reminiscent of Ramlee in Hang Tuah.
Najua, who performed her grandfather's evergreen song Tunggu Sekejap from the film Sarjan Hassan said that she was honoured to be invited to perform in the showcase.
"The organisers gave me a choice to either perform a song or recite a poem, so I decided to sing since I have a mini studio at home," she said.
"I miss the stage, and performing my grandfather's popular tune online is a great honour. Having special events to celebrate his music, films and poetry are always great as they share his illustrious works and life with young Malaysians."