Sudirman's songbook continues to bring people together, transcend differences

The footage of Sudirman's performance of 'One Thousand Mission Smiles' at the1989 Salem Music Awards was played, with music by the MPO. Photo: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

The body of work of the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad spanned only 13 years – from the release of his EP Teriring Doa in 1976 to his final studio album in 1989 – yet his songs are still played by Malaysians to commemorate various celebrations.

Balik Kampung, a melody about the excitement for the journey back to one's hometown has become the annual Hari Raya Aidilfitri anthem, despite it not being a Hari Raya song and Tanggal 31, a tune about the country's independence is played at almost every Merdeka Day celebration.