KUALA LUMPUR: Sixty-one year-old composer and musician Ross Ariffin can finally breathe a sigh of relief after being provided with a new home, after enduring three years of homelessness.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that upon learning about Ross's plight, efforts were made to locate him and extend assistance.
"I contacted the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa to locate a suitable People's Housing Project unit and secure essential assistance for his housing needs. As Ross stepped into his new home, the disbelief was evident on his face over finally owning a place after three years of homelessness," he said in a Facebook post today.
The esteemed composer, known for his compositions sung by renowned artists like Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ning Baizura, Jacklyn Victor, and Fauziah Latiff, is poised to embark on a new chapter in his life with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
"I have also discussed with RTM the possibility of Ross collaborating on new song compositions, facilitating his journey to regain stability. We met with the music director, Datuk Mokhzani, to strategise the production of fresh tracks that Ross can compose. His enthusiasm to return to his craft is palpable."
Fahmi also pledged a commitment to assisting the nation's artistes whenever they require support while he is in the government.
"For the first time in three years, Ross had the opportunity to sit before a grand piano, his fingers gracefully dancing across the keys. I was deeply moved to witness a legendary composer reconnecting with his musical passion.
"As long as I still the minister and the government remains in power, rest assured that we will spare no effort to assist our artists."