Glowing Tributes

Perhaps never before in the history of this side of the world has the death of an artist been talked about so extensively, so much so that the death of P. Ramlee became, in effect, an occasion of mourning across Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, especially in his father’s homeland, Aceh.

The Utusan Malaysia newspaper, in its 30 May 1973 issue, in the immediate wake of Ramlee’s death, wrote as follows:

P. Ramlee, who died suddenly yesterday morning at a young age – 44 years old – was a beloved artist. Although he was born a Malay, he was truly admired by all races from all walks of life. In his life, P. Ramlee was a great artist who was not only a pride of Malaysia, but also well-known throughout Asia, especially in Southeast Asia. Although he gained a reputation through his roles as an actor and film director, he was a great artist who had various unparalleled talents. He was also a composer, musician, singer, and comedian. It is indeed difficult to find a replacement as great as him, who excelled in various fields. In fact, to even find his equal in each of the fields he was involved in is also quite difficult.

We appreciate P. Ramlee’s contribution which has enriched the nation’s artistic treasures. His works, which are easily appreciated, are contributions that can represent Malay art in the world’s artistic treasury. P. Ramlee did not leave behind material wealth, but the artistic wealth he left behind does not deteriorate with time. On the day of his death, this man who was not rich in wealth was rich in friends. His naturally cheerful and indiscriminate nature in making friends is among the qualities that caused his death to be mourned by everyone who knew him. The services of P. Ramlee must be remembered and recorded by the people and the government.

Eric Peris wrote an obituary in The Straits Times on 30 May 1973:

P. Ramlee, who has been described as one of the greatest Malay entertainers, died in the General Hospital here today after a heart attack. P. Ramlee or Ramlee bin Puteh is looked upon as father of Malay movies and the man who gave a new life to Malay music.

He was one of the most creative men in the film world. He had this wonderful gift of mastering a subject in the shortest possible time and excelling in whatever he did. He was most original in his work and the first person to add comedy to Malay movies.

The Berita Minggu newspaper, in its 3 June 1973 edition in the “Reviews and Thoughts” section, recorded a tribute to P. Ramlee as follows:

Only occasionally in several decades does a great artist emerge to colour the atmosphere and climate of a nation’s art. Such was the influence of the late artist P. Ramlee, who passed away last Tuesday. He not only left behind his films and songs, but also his influence, which was so indelible and deeply rooted in the world of art.

There are fans who accept him as an entertainer and laugh along with the jokes of the films Bujang Lapok and Laksamana Do Re Mi. There are those who cry watching the films Anak-ku Sazali and Penarek Becha. Indeed, there are also those who were made to think about the societal criticisms in the films Antara Senyum dan Tangis and Antara Dua Darjat.

And, from songs like Azizah, Hamidah to Jeritan Batinku, his fans also feel the expressions of love – its joys and sorrows.

In short, in 200 [sic] films (including 50 [sic] of his own direction) and more than 1,000 [sic] songs, the late P. Ramlee reached every one of his fans, old and young. The influence of this great artist had already been imagined from the early 50s when young children followed his hairstyle in Antara Senyum dan Tangis, wore striped shirts that he wore in the film Bakti and sang songs from the Bujang Lapok film series.

To someone of such great influence, a great figure, according to Tun Abdul Razak; a beacon of art, according to Tan Sri Ghazali Shafie – it is fitting that the late P. Ramlee be given the highest possible honour. Perhaps the people’s art complex that is currently being designed is appropriately named the P. Ramlee Art Complex.

We feel that with his great contribution to the development of the world of art, this artist who became a star, film director, singer, songwriter, and colourer of the climate of art, deserves such high recognition.