Jamaludin Alias – the man with the booming voice who performed the iconic patriotic song Perajurit Tanah Air (Inilah Barisan Kita) – passed away early this morning (April 22). He was 85.
His son Fazli informed a news portal that Jamaludin died at 5am, due to old age. He was laid to rest after Friday prayer.
Jamaludin's voice also carries the other spirited tune Malaysia Berjaya.
He was also a former sports commentator with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
According to a report by Bernama, some of his overseas assignments as a sports commentator included the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, 1979 SEA Games in Jakarta, 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, 1991 SEA Games in Manila and the Olympics held at Barcelona in 1992.
Perajurit Tanah Air (Inilah Barisan Kita) – written by the late composer Saifoel Bahari Elyas – tells of soldiers' dedication defending the nation, even at the cost of their lives.
Through the years it has become a staple at national day parades, sporting events and football matches involving the national team. The song was also used to boost the morale of unsung hero frontliners during the pandemic's darkest months in Malaysia.
In 2016, the Ola Bola movie – about the Malaysian football team in 1980 – also brought renewed attention to the song.
Additional reporting by Daryl Goh.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
