KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) — The National Artiste Day celebration symbolises appreciation for the country’s arts community for their role in creating, elevating culture and fostering creativity to unite society, the Communications Ministry said in a Facebook post today.
March 22, in conjunction with the birth anniversary of legendary artiste the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, has been gazetted as National Artiste Day to commemorate the works and contributions of arts practitioners who have coloured the local arts scene.
Meanwhile, the National Archives of Malaysia said the celebration also marks the 97th birth anniversary of the iconic figure, who is remembered as a versatile arts icon in acting, directing and music.
In its Facebook post, the agency said the late artiste, whose real name was Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh, was born in Penang to a seafarer from Lhokseumawe, Aceh, while his mother was from Kubang Buaya, Butterworth.
According to the National Archives, P. Ramlee received his education at several institutions, beginning with Sekolah Melayu Kampong Jawa from 1935 to 1938, Francis Light English School (1939), the Japanese Navy Academy (Kaigun Gaiko) from 1942 to 1944 and Penang Free School (1947).
“The spirit of unity that he instilled and showcased in his films has ensured they remain popular to this day, while the songs he performed continue to be loved by all strata of society,” the post said.
-- BERNAMA
