Shining spotlight on Sudirman’s legacy

Jaafar Sidek (right) launching the exhibition with images featuring Sudirman’s signature and symbolic red rose. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star

THE legacy of iconic performer Datuk Sudirman Arshad is being showcased in an exhibition at Muzium Warisan Melayu, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in Serdang, Selangor.

The exhibition features 28 artefacts from Sudirman’s 13-year career including his performance wardrobe, comic strips and canned items such as carbonated drinks and canned sardines under his brand Sudi.

Jaafar Sidek (left) standing beside Sudirman’s iconic costume that is emblematic of the national flag.

National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said the 80s pop star should be regarded as an exemplary figure given his ability to balance his careers as a lawyer, cartoonist, entrepreneur and singer.

Sudirman’s performance outfits, including his shoes, are on display at Muzium Warisan Melayu in UPM Serdang.

“The messages conveyed by Sudirman in all his works, particularly his songs, should be studied because they contain underlying meanings.

“The exhibition’s purpose is to commemorate a Malaysian legend for his significant cultural contribution,” he said.

Photos of the singer who was voted Asia's top performer are among the exhibits.

Jaafar Sidek said the exhibition was to expose youths to Sudirman’s achievements so that his contributions would not be forgotten.

He said Sudirman’s music was still being played, such as Balik Kampung, a Hari Raya anthem that could be heard throughout the country during the festive season.

While he was best known as a singer and lawyer, Sudirman was also a cartoonist.

While the lyrics sound like they are exhorting youths to return to the villages for Hari Raya, the song was actually written to encourage youths to go back to their home towns to vote, said Jaafar.

Sudirman achieved the peak of his fame in the 1980s.

“The National Archives will always provide support and welcomes opportunities for collaboration with museums that wish to disseminate information about prominent figures to help shape the nation’s identity,” he said at the launch of Pameran Memperingati Sudirman: Penghibur Legenda (Remembering Sudirman: A Legendary Performer) last Saturday, in conjunction with the singer’s May 25th birthday.

The singer was also known for his flamboyant outfits.

During the exhibition which ends on Friday, visitors stand to win attractive prizes and can enjoy browsing Sudirman-themed memorabilia.