Dr Sam Touched By Malaysians Of All Races Singing 'Saya Anak Malaysia'

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- The patriotic song ‘Saya Anak Malaysia’ remains evergreen across generations, as Malaysians of all races continue to embrace it as a symbol of love and pride in being citizens of the nation.

Its singer, Salim Ibrahim, 72, better known as Dr Sam, said he was touched to see Malaysians of various backgrounds singing the song with passion whenever it was played.

“Grateful to Allah. I am moved to see that not only Malays but also Chinese and Indians sing this song together,” he said emotionally.

He recalled how, in the past, his housing area once resonated with the chant of “Saya Anak Malaysia” when the Chinese community paraded on Aug 31 while singing the song.

Earlier, Dr Sam was a guest performer at the Launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, officiated by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Bahasa Melayu here, today.

According to Dr Sam, he became emotional every time he heard schoolchildren, youth, and even university students sing the song, despite not knowing him personally.

“Although the song is 39 years old, people still sing it until now. Even the children sing it… earlier during the performance, the IPG students sang along, and I felt very emotional,” he said, admitting he almost shed tears.

Dr Sam said he never imagined that the song, composed by renowned composer Datuk M. Nasir with lyrics by S. Amin Shahab in 1986, would remain evergreen as a patriotic identity for Malaysians.

His sweetest memory was when the song was first performed at the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Auditorium, where the entire hall resounded with enthusiastic singing on the eve of National Day.

“The whole hall echoed… I can never forget that moment,” he said with a smile.

He added that the strength of the song lay in its simple melody and easy-to-remember lyrics, which touched the hearts of Malaysians regardless of age or race.

“When people hear this song, everyone feels like they are part of one big family called Malaysia. That is what makes me proud,” he said.

Now, Dr Sam chooses to focus on religious studies and missionary work, while hoping that his song will continue to inspire love for the homeland and serve as a bridge of unity among Malaysians.

-- BERNAMA