Faizal to carry on singing

PETALING JAYA: He has wept in private, thought of quitting the local music scene and has been absolutely devastated. But now, Faizal Tahir has found a fresh resolve to continue his career as a singer.  

“I was totally devastated especially after being dropped from the Anugerah Juara Lagu. But at the end of the day, I have only myself to blame,” he told The Star yesterday.  

“And I have had such amazing support from the industry, my family and friends. I am tired of the whole thing and I just want to move on.” 

The furore began when Faizal, the runner-up in the One in a Million singing competition, took off his shirt and exposed his chest which was painted with the letter “S” in red – a tribute to his favourite superhero, Superman – during 8TV’s Fourth Anniversary Concert on Jan 13. 

The latest punishment for 29-year-old Faizal was being banned from performing at Anugerah Juara Lagu this Sunday, where he was scheduled to perform two songs. 

Adding that he was currently able to spend more time with his wife Siti Raihanim Noran and their two children, aged three and one, Faizal said he had “things up his sleeve” such as planning his second album.  

“I need to keep up the momentum and be a stronger person,” he said. 

He added that his parents had also stood by him through this period although he said they were initially disappointed with him, while his wife supported him.  

Faizal has publicly apologised for his stunt.  

He has been banned by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) from appearing in entertainment programmes.  

Subsequently, 8TV announced that it would freeze royalties from his album sales and concerts. 

MCMC also revoked its approval given to 8TV to air telecasts of concerts and entertainment shows. It will also not approve any applications for such programmes for the TV station for three months, beginning Jan 15. 

Comment: Much ado about nothing again