First Encounter - Sudirman Arshad Poem by john tiong chunghoo

Sudirman
the air charged too with his spirit,
talent and optimism

as riveting as his songs
his personality and
laughter

Sudirman
for the man, laughters and songs
conquer all

Sudirman
his laughter too is
music to our ears

Sudirman
cutting across racial barrier
with laughter and songs

The late Sudirman reigned the Malaysian entertainment industry in the 80s and early 90s after he won a national talentime contest Bintang RTM organised by Malaysian television network RTM.
A graduate in law he had the nation enthralled with his riveting showmanship and songs that cut across racial barrier in English, Malay and even Chinese. He was also judged Asia's best entertainer in an Asian international music festival held in England in the 80s.