P. Ramlee, Ahli Mangku Negara

The significance of P. Ramlee’s award for his fellow film actors and actresses was evident from the reception held when he and his wife returned from Kuala Lumpur after receiving the AMN at Istana Negara.

In Berita Minggu of 14 October 1962, Magiar Simen reported on the reception given by his fellow artists and fans:

The awarding of the Pingat Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) to artist and director P. Ramlee turned out to be of great significance to the artists and actresses of the country. This was proven last Wednesday evening when P. Ramlee and his wife Saloma returned from receiving the award from His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Approximately 1,000 film fans, artists, and actresses escorted P. Ramlee and his wife the moment they arrived in Tambak Johor. About 50 buses, cars, and motorcycles were waiting for them.

This special reception was organised by the Persatuan Artis Malaya, who felt that the honour awarded to P. Ramlee was an honour for all artists. P. Ramlee and his wife Saloma were paraded through Bukit Timah, Mandai, Upper Thomson Road, Thomson Road, Braddell Road, Whitley Road, Dunearn Road, River Valley Road, and finally arrived at the house of the Chairman of the Sports Section of the Singapore Bawean Association, Mr. Sallehudin Matbari.

After resting there for a while, P. Ramlee and his wife were then taken to their home on Cedar Avenue. More than 300 special guests were already eagerly waiting for the director’s arrival in an atmosphere filled with emotion and continuous cheers.

P. Ramlee himself appeared deeply moved by such a grand reception and was deeply stunned for a few moments before he could express his joy and gratitude for the welcome given by his fellow artists and performers.

With a very emotional voice, P. Ramlee said,

“My success in the field of art is not only my own success.”

According to P. Ramlee, his success in obtaining the AMN award is the success of all artists and performers who have been dedicating themselves to the interests of art in the country for some time.

P. Ramlee said, “What we should remember at this time, and in the future, is to continue to strive with all sincerity and honesty to create good artistic results for the enjoyment of our society.”

And in this regard, P. Ramlee emphasised that this task does not depend solely on himself, but depends on every artist and performer who is involved in the film world. According to him, the Ahli Mangku Negara award he received has great meaning. It is clear evidence that all contributions of artists and performers are highly valued by the country. And because of these reasons, P. Ramlee felt that the responsibility of artists and performers became even more important and heavier in the world of art.

“My success is not just my own success,” said P. Ramlee. “This success is the success of our brothers and sisters who are artists here. Hopefully, my success will inspire other artists with the goal and ambition to dedicate themselves for the development of art and society.”

His speech was briefly interrupted when P. Ramlee was garlanded with a garland of flowers by his friend and fellow actor Musalmah amidst the excitement of applause from the audience. Artist P. Ramlee was also presented with a songkok as a sign of respect from local artists and performers.

Continuing his speech, P. Ramlee expressed his gratitude to his artist and performer friends and once again stated, “Let us be even more firm in our struggle to raise the quality of our films so that one day they will compete with foreign films that are brought here.”