REMEMBERING HAIL AMIR: KIND, EASY TO WORK WITH, TRUE ARTISTE

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) --  When 80s singer Salwa Abdul Rahman visited Datuk Hail Amir, who was hospitalised at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), at noon today, little did she know it would be their last encounter. 

Salwa told Bernama that she managed to visit him at 12.30 pm, but Hail was unconscious. 

The singer of the song Satu Dua Kau described Hail as a kind, well-liked, easy to work with and courteous colleague.

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“He was very kind and gentle, a brother who took great care of his personality and appearance and was always stylish. I am grateful that his wish to visit my new home was fulfilled (early this year).

“We often worked together during stage performances. I will surely miss singing with him. His trademark move for the ‘Mekar Sejambak’ (TV) programme, raising his hands after each performance, will be remembered forever,” she said.

Meanwhile, Persatuan Melodi Kenangan Artis dan Penggiat Seni Malaysia (Pemekar) chairman Mohd Amran Nasrudin dubbed Hail as a true artiste and a humble and generous person, always eager to perform despite being in poor health.

According to him late last year, Hail received a certificate of recognition signed by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, presented to active veteran artistes who have gained excellent career achievements.

The 76-year-old singer-actor passed away at 3.43 pm today and is expected to be buried at the Ukay Perdana Muslim Cemetery tomorrow morning.

The Penang native started his career as a cultural dancer under the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the early 70s and was known as the duet partner of famous songbird Uji Rashid.

The duo made waves with songs such as Hujan, Menunggu Nasi Minyak, Antara Matamu dan Mataku and the Hari Raya staple, Seloka Hari Raya.

Hail ventured into silver screen acting with Jiwa Remaja, Cinta Dan Lagu, Menanti Hari Esok, Sesejuk Air Mata Ibu and Anita Dunia Ajaib.

After more than five decades of involvement in the entertainment industry, he was conferred the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah award, which carries the title ‘Datuk’ in 2022.

-- BERNAMA