Constance Haslam's cousin remembers the RTM presenter as upbeat, generous: 'Connie kept in touch with everybody'

Constance Haslam was a well-known newscaster and radio deejay in Malaysia. Photo: Constance Haslam/Facebook

Constance Haslam, a well-known RTM newscaster and radio deejay, has passed away. She was 77.

The news was confirmed by her cousin Anne Haslam to The Star.

“I was informed of her death this morning. I was shocked because I was in touch with her just two days ago,” said Anne.

“She's a very upbeat person and she never complains. She said in her message two days ago that she was well and that she was driving her husband for his eye appointment the next day."

Constance had moved to a small town in France after retiring from the industry and lived there with second husband, Erwin Behr.

"Connie and I play Facebook scrabble together, and when I checked last night there was no response from her.

“I am not really sure actually what happened. They suspect she had a brain aneurysm,” shared Anne.

Recalling Constance as a generous person, Anne said: “Even though she moved to France, Connie kept in touch with everybody. Whenever she came down to Malaysia, she would come bearing gifts for everyone.

“Connie always made it a point to visit me in Sungei Petani (Kedah) when she came back to Malaysia."

Fellow broadcaster Neubert Ambrose was equally sad at the news of her passing. He remembers meeting Constance when she was in Malaysia last.

"This was some time back before the pandemic," he told The Star.

Constance was one of the famous voices heard on Malaysian radio in the 1980s and 1990s, first with RTM and later, Redifussion. She was also the host of popular talent show Bakat TV in the 1970s and was one of the first female newscasters on RTM.

In an article published in The Star back in 2011, Constance was quoted: “Broadcasting in those days was interesting. I always found radio more challenging than TV because I could express myself in my voice.”

Radio personality Patrick Teoh who worked with Constance paid a tribute to her on his Facebook.

“Woke up to the news that an old friend, colleague and former radio presenter has departed for the big radio station in the sky.

“A whole generation of us have listened to her. Reading the news, answering requests and spinning the top hits of the day. Farewell, Connie. And keep the music playing up there,” he wrote.

Constance is survived by husband, son from first marriage and a granddaughter.