PETALING JAYA: The passing of Seniman Negara and renowned composer Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab (pic), whose contributions greatly enriched the local music scene, has been described as a great loss to the nation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in sharing his thoughts on social media, expressed profound sadness upon receiving the news.
He described Ahmad Nawab’s legacy as both a cultural treasure and a unifying force within Malaysian society.
“Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab was not just an exceptional composer and musician; he was the soul of Malaysian arts, touching the hearts of millions with his poetic works that were full of beauty and meaning.
“His contributions will always be remembered as those of a legend without equal,” Anwar wrote on the passing of the artiste yesterday.
The Prime Minister also extended his condolences to Ahmad Nawab’s family and offered his prayers.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also honoured the late artiste, noting that the local music industry has lost a priceless gem who had made immense contributions to the field.
“Since the 1950s, he composed over 2,000 songs, produced more than 200 albums, and nurtured many prominent names in the world of music.
“He served with the Radio Televisyen Malaysia Orchestra for 17 years and was awarded the title of seventh National Artiste in 2006.
“This loss is certainly felt, not only by industry players, but also by fans and the local music industry in general,” he said.
Ahmad Nawab, whose real name was Ahmad Khan Nawab Khan, passed away yesterday at the age of 92 at his residence in Taman Melewar, Gombak.
His burial is set for this morning at the Raudhatul Sakinah Islamic Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur-Karak.
