PETALING JAYA: With the passing of Tan Sri Ahmad Khan Nawab Khan, the nation has lost a figure and an artistic gem whose contributions have greatly enriched the landscape of local music, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"His legacy is not only a cultural treasure but also a unifying force of society.
"He was not just an exceptional composer and musician – he was the soul of Malaysian arts, touching the hearts of millions with his poetic works full of beauty and meaning.
"His will be remembered as a legend with no equal," he said about Ahmad Nawab's death on Sunday (Nov 24)
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also expressed his condolences to Ahmad Nawab's "The contribution of the late Ahmad Nawab in this field is immense. Since the 1950s, he composed over 2,000 songs, produced over 200 albums and produced many of the biggest names in the world of entertainment, especially singers.
"He served with the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Orchestra for 17 years, besides being awarded the title of the seventh National Artist in 2006. This loss is certainly felt, not only by industry players but also by fans as well as the local music industry, he said in a Facebook post.
Ahmad Nawab passed away at the age of 92 at about 3.15pm on Sunday at his residence in Taman Melewar, Gombak.
His grandchild Teh Suraya Nasir Khan said Ahmad Nawab is expected to be buried on Monday (Nov 24) morning at the Raudhatul Sakinah Islamic Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur-Karak.
Saya menerima khabar pemergian Seniman Negara Tan Sri Datuk Seri Ahmad Khan Nawab Khan, dengan rasa dukacita yang mendalam.
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) November 24, 2024
Negara kehilangan seorang tokoh dan permata seni yang begitu besar jasanya dalam memperkayakan landskap muzik tanah air, bukan sahaja menjadi warisan... pic.twitter.com/Skks5CQxla
