Compiled by ARFA YUNUS, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
GUITARIST Man Kidal (pic) is no longer listed as an asnaf recipient (eligible for zakat aid) after regaining financial stability and returning to regular performance bookings, Harian Metro reported.
Man, whose real name is Abdul Rahman Mahmood, 62, said he only received assistance for three to four months during the Covid-19 pandemic, and chose to withdraw once his situation improved as he felt the aid should go to those in greater need.
“I no longer receive assistance because once you’re stable, it should be given to people who require it. I accepted asnaf temporarily for about four months thanks to my media friends who highlighted my situation.
“When I began getting performance offers again, I decided to stop,” he told a press conference on the Legends Charity Dinner Concert: Sweet Charity on Wednesday.
> The legendary tale of 17th-century Kelantan Ruler Cik Siti Wan Kembang will be brought to the stage in Paduka Cik Siti, a musical theatre production by the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) on Dec 19, reported Kosmo!.
Director Kamarulzaman Taib, or Che Kem, said the epic, which blends history with themes of courage, love and sacrifice, will feature singer Asmidar Ahmad in the titular role alongside seasoned actress Dr Norzizi Zulkifli as Seri Banun.
“Asmidar has a golden voice rooted in Malay tradition, ideal for such an iconic role, and she brings vast musical theatre experience from Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Puteri Gunung Ledang, Dendam Laksamana and Mek Mulong.
“The character of Cik Siti Wan Kembang requires grace, maturity and wisdom, which she embodies, in addition to silat skills.
“Norzizi’s versatility also enriches the role of Seri Banun, the queen’s mother,” he said.
The cast includes Taqim Zaki as Panglima Merah, along with Syukor Ibrahim Bachik and Sharul Mizad.
Paduka Cik Siti will premiere with a gala night at the Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin Auditorium, Putrajaya, on Dec 19, followed by shows on Dec 20 and 21.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
