ANYONE who listens to the radio and watches television must surely know Ahmad Merican, now Tan Sri, of course.
This grand old man just turned 92, looking and behaving as sprightly as ever.
I bumped into Pak Mad, as he’s often and fondly referred to. His handshake was firm and he stood tall and upright. Apart from some grey hair on the sides, Pak Mad would have passed for someone in his 60s!
It would not be wrong to refer to Pak Mad as the father of broadcasting, considering his many years in the industry. His contribution to what was then Radio Malaya that evolved to become Radio Televisyen Malaysia was phenomenal.
Pak Mad, his friends and junior colleagues would say, had a hand in making the entertainment industry what it is today.
His days in early broadcasting were accompanied by renowned musicians, such as Jimmy Boyle, Alfonso Soliano, Johar Bahar and Dol Bahrin.
He paved the way for talents such as Datuk Johari Salleh, Datuk Ahmad Dasilah and Datuk Mokhzani Ismail to pass through the RTM musical hall of fame.
Pak Mad now spends his time travelling with friends and family members. I asked him how he had managed to keep himself so trim. He said: “Breakfast consisting of two half-boiled eggs, two fried eggs and toast, and daily brisk walking.”
Can you do that? Happy birthday, Pak Mad! May you continue to be strong and healthy, and be blessed always!