Farewell to the last 'Bujang Lapok'

Farewell to the last 'Bujang Lapok'

Farewell to the last 'Bujang Lapok'

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: DATUK Aziz Sattar, the iconic actor, comedian, director  and singer who died at 89 on May 6, lived life to the fullest and  was proof that an entertainer can last a lifetime.

Until his final days, he was a regular face on the big and  small screen and movie-goers of today best remember him  for appearing alongside Malaysia's current 'A-listers' Afdlin  Shauki, Rashidi Ishak, Vanidah Imran and Que Haidar in  Setem (2009), Datuk Rosyam Nor and Maya Karin in the two  Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam movies (2004 and 2005),  and Saiful Apek, Fasha Sandha and Yusry Abdul Halim in  Cicak-Man (2005).

 The four-times-married Aziz, a regular in television dra mas and comedies, always told friends and fans that the key  to staying "young at heart" is "eating well, not keeping  grudges and having a good laugh".

 Jokes and laughter aside, Pak Ajis (as he was affectionately  known by his juniors) could be very serious, especially when  it came to punctuality and preparedness for a movie.

 He never stopped reminding his juniors that 'diva-like'  behaviour, selfishness and indiscipline will 'get them  nowhere', and that one should be primarily motivated by  passion, not material gain.

 An institution in the Malaysia's and Singapore film in dustries, Aziz had been a regular on the silver screen since  the era of his mentor and close friend Tan Sri P. Ramlee.

He was one of Ramlee's closest collaborators and they  appeared in the film Hang Tuah before teaming up with S.  Shamsuddin as the iconic "bachelor boys" in the Bujang  Lapok movie series.

Aziz was born in Pekalongan, Java. in the Dutch East Indies  (today Indonesia) on August 25, 1925. He had his early  education in Kota Raja Malay School, Singapore, and at 10,  he displayed talent as a natural comedian and entertainer,  performing at weddings.

In 1950 he joined the Suara Hiburan Keroncong Band and  two years later (after working as a lorry driver) he joined  Jalan Ampas' Malay Film Productions as a voice-over tal ent.

His first film was Putus Harapan in 1953 where he had a  minor role.  After that he starred in more than 50 films and  hundreds of television movies, comedies and dramas.

Aziz directed his first movie Keluarga Si Comot in 1975. He  directed 15 films including Si Badol (1979), Prebet Lapok  (1979), Penyamun Tarbus (1980) and Da Di Du (1981). As a  director he introduced to the movie industry veteran co medians as A R Badul (the son of his friend, actor-comedian  A R Tompel) and Mr Os.

 Aziz's other famous films included Nujum Pak Belalang  (1959), Labu Labi (1962), Nasib Labu Labi (1963), Darah  Satria (1983), Bujang Lapok Kembali Daa (1985), Abang '92  (1993), Tarik-Tarik (1994), Layar Lara (1997), Anak Halal  (2007), Momok The Movie (2009) and Kecoh Betul (2010).

 Cartoon voice-over work was also another talent Aziz  possessed. He famously voiced a cartoon version of his  Bujang Lapok self in the 2010 animated movie Budak Lapok,  and lent his voice to one of the animated robots in Astro's  Bahasa Malaysia edition of the 2005 film Robots in 2006.

Aziz was also active in artistes' associations and the  organisation of film awards. He was Persatuan Seniman  Malaysia (Malaysian Artistes' Association) treasurer,  Malaysian Veteran Artistes' Welfare Association president  and the information committee member at the 13th  Malaysian Film Festival in 1997.

Aziz counts as his favourite movies the Bujang Lapok four  — Bujang Lapok, Pendekar Bujang Lapok, Seniman Bujang  Lapok and Ali Baba Bujang Lapok.

 "The humour is very light-hearted and appeals to a wide  audience," he said, adding that Ramlee, Shamsuddin and he  jointly improvised the jokes.

 "If an actor does his job for the love of it, then it will show  in the end product. I am very happy that Malaysians,  especially the younger generation, still enjoy watching Bu jang Lapok."

 Ramlee was his number one sifu, and tears always filled his  eyes whenever he talked about the final years of Ramlee.

 "He and his wife (Puan Sri) Saloma fell into hard times at  the turn of the 1970s.

 "When I went to visit him, Ramlee was eating fried eggs and  white rice."

 Aziz's recollection of Ramlee's last years was featured in  Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba's 90-minute documentary on  Ramlee for the History Channel three years ago.

 "He never enjoyed the last days of his life because he was  poverty stricken after being sidelined by the changing film  world.

 "Many years before his death, he told me that he would be  remembered for a million years and his words ring so true  now. At that time, I laughed at him but now I know what he  meant.

 "I have countless sweet memories of him. From our time  together, I have learnt so much from him, not only in terms of  acting but also on how to become a good person.

 "I still remember the most beautiful advice he gave me. He  said, Ajis, when we are already at the top, and there are  friends who strive to be there as well, we should always lend  them a helping hand."

 Ramlee never had any ill feelings towards anyone, and he  never made any enemies.

 On Shamsuddin, who died on June 4 last year, Aziz said  they were soul mates.

 "The public and private Sudin were very much the same.  He was always full of joy and laughter and we both believe in  the power of humour in bringing happiness to family and  fans.

 "Perhaps it's a sign of our friendship that Sudin left us  around the same date as Ramlee," he said adding that  Ramlee's 40th death anniversary was on May 29.

Aziz, who is survived by seven children, 19 grandchildren  and five great-grandchildren, won numerous awards in cluding Best Film (Penyamun Tarbus) in the Second  Malaysian Film Festival and the Lifetime Achievement Award  in Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 1999.

Datuk Abdul Aziz Sattar (second from right) with (from right) Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Pak Mustarjo and S. Shamsuddin in 'Pendekar Bujang Lapok' (1959).

Mansor seeks redress with Wan Azizah over polls loss

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

07 May 2014| last updated at 12:53AM

He insisted that the counting process on Sunday's divisional polls was sabotaged, thus robbing him of victory.

"It's all a lie. The counting process was not carried out properly," he said, following the decision of elections director Kalsom Said to declare the polls null and void.

The declaration was made after it was discovered the number of ballot papers was more than voter turnout.

There were 672 voters who turned up compared with 838 ballot papers.

Mansor, who is also Penang PKR chairman, was one of three contenders for the division chairman's post.

The others were incumbent division chairman Makhtar Shapee and businessman S. Sanjeeviramah.

After Kalsom's announcement, a fracas broke out among supporters of the three contenders, and power supply to Dewan JKKK Simpang Tiga, where the elections were carried out, was disrupted for about 20 seconds.

Nobody was injured in the incident, although some irate supporters of the contenders kicked chairs and tables to vent their anger and frustration.

Mansor said he would present his case to PKR political bureau chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the party president.

"I will present the matter to Wan Azizah because I am very upset and disappointed at the turn of events."

He had earlier submitted a protest to PKR elections director Datuk Johari Abdul on the matter.

Meanwhile, Sanjeeviramah said Penang PKR elections director Datuk Law Choo Kiang had informed him that a meeting would be held with all three contenders on Friday.

He said the meeting would discuss the date for the division's re-election.

Sanjeeviramah expected the re-election to be held before the party's annual general meeting next month.

Makhtar, who is Sungai Bakap assemblyman, could not be contacted.

Attackers to be revealed

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

07 May 2014| last updated at 12:51AM
By ATIQA HAZELLAH | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: POLICE will release the photographs of individuals allegedly  involved in a scuffle with media personnel  at the Anti-Goods and Services Tax (GST) rally last Thursday.

City Police Chief Datuk Seri Mohmad Salleh said the pressmen who were assaulted had already lodged police reports at the Dang Wangi police station on the same day.

"The case will be investigated under Section 147 of the Penal Code for rioting. No arrests have been made yet. The photographs were obtained from our own cameramen and from various media" he said at a handing over of duty ceremony to former Sarawak deputy police commissioner Datuk Law Hong Soon who has assumed the duty of Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief.

Law succeeds Datuk Amar Singh Ishar Singh, who is now Bukit Aman's Criminal Investigation Department deputy director.

When elaborating on the roughed up pressmen, Mohmad urged those with evidence of the scuffle to come forward and inform the police immediately.

"We have reviewed the video footages and photographs and will release a few pictures of those involved to facilitate investigations," said Mohmad.

In the incident, three photographers were attacked in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building near Dataran Merdeka by a group of masked protesters, dressed in black. Two of the photographers were beaten and kicked while the third was struck by a piece of hurled wood.

Meanwhile, Amar said it had been an honour to serve for the past two years and nine months at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent. "I could not have achieved the successes without cooperation of the various police departments here. We worked wonderfully together and I am glad to say I had been well supported by my colleagues."

He urged the various departments and public to continue giving their support to Law. He added that he would do his best to work closely with the various departments of the city police, as well as with the media.

"To hold the post of deputy police chief in Kuala Lumpur is a big challenge but I will use all my experience to ensure a smooth operation," said Law, pledging to assist Mohmad to reduce crime in the city.

On another matter, Mohmad announced that a new 13-storey administration building costing RM30 million at the city police headquarters had been recently completed.

City police chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Salleh (left), incoming deputy police chief Datuk Law Hong Soon (centre) and outgoing deputy police chief (right) Datuk Amar Singh Ishar Singh. Pic by Mohd Yusni Ariffin

Bid to re-charge Nik Nazmi fails

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

07 May 2014| last updated at 12:46AM

Judge Yasmin Abdul Razak ruled that she was bound by the Court of Appeal's decision barely two weeks ago.

She also said prosecution should have waited until the pending appeal (on the Court of Appeal decision) was dealt with by the Federal Court before re-charging Nik Nazmi.

Nik Nazmi was also acquitted by the Sessions Court on Monday when the case was brought before judge Zamri Bakar to inform him about the Court of Appeal ruling.

In acquitting Nik Nazmi, Zamri ruled that the lower court was bound by the ruling of the superior court.

Nik Nazmi's lead counsel N. Surendran submitted that the charge was in breach of Article 7(2) of the Federal Constitution, and was not valid as the provision under which he was being charged with had been declared null and void

He added that it was contempt of court to be disrespectful of the superior court's ruling.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharudin Wan Ladin said Nik Nazmi could be charged under the provision as the case had not gone for full trial and evidence has not been heard as per Article 7(2) of the Federal Constitution.

The Article states that a person who has been tried, either acquitted or convicted, cannot be charged under the same offence except if the decision has been quashed by a superior court.

Surendran also told reporters he would be initiating legal action against Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail for "making a mockery of the law".

Nik Nazmi said this was another victory for him.

Nik Nazmi was charged at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court with failing to give the Petaling Jaya police chief 10 days' notice on the "Blackout 505" rally, which was to protest against alleged electoral fraud during the 13th General Election on May 5 last year.

Cheaper produce for urban folk

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

07 May 2014| last updated at 12:52AM

Another brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, it is aimed at helping those living in urban areas cope with the rising cost of living.

Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal, who officiated at the launch yesterday, said produce would be between five and 20 per cent cheaper and that this was an initiative led by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry. He also said the programme had been carried out nationwide and included hospitals, urban tranformation centres and higher learning institutions.

Other relevant ministries were also involved in the programme.

Outlets involved in the programme include chosen hypermarkets and agriculture markets (pasar tani). It is learnt that 1,748 entrepreneurs have signed up for the programme and the ministry is targeting to introduce another 120 locations by the end of the year.

Chinese manager abducted in Sabah

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

07 May 2014| last updated at 12:55AM
By AVILA GERALDINE | avila@nst.com.my

KOTA KINABALU: FIVE gunmen had a specific target in mind when they kicked open a worker's room door at a fish farm in Pulau Baik off Silam, Lahad Datu, yesterday.

The gunmen struck the farm belonging to Wonderful Terrace Sdn Bhd, a company owned by a Hong Kong national, at 2.45am.

Of the five, two were carrying M-16 rifles and wore masks and camouflaged uniform, while the others were in civilian clothing.

They went to the staff quarters and asked for Chinese national Yang Zai Lin, 34, who is the manager.

Upon hearing the commotion, Yang, who was next door, went to investigate and was abducted by the gunmen. He was taken their boat and they fled to the open sea.

Yesterday, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said the gunmen, who spoke Bajau language, had switched to a boat with more powerful engines halfway towards Mataking waters off Semporna, which was where security forces detected them at 6.20am.

Special task force and marine police personnel from the Eastern Sabah Security Command gave chase and were involved in a shootout with the men.

"One of the gunmen opened fire, forcing our security forces to retaliate during the hour-long pursuit.

"The gunmen fled towards Alice Reef, which is between the Malaysian and Philippines border, and entered Saluag village in southern Sibutu island."

Hamza said security forces were forced to withdraw because of safety concerns after the gunmen entered the village in southern Philippines.

"We have informed our Philippine counterparts. We have identified four suspects in their 30s and 40s and another in his 50s."

Hamza was unable to confirm whether the suspects were from the same group that robbed four fishermen at Tanjung Labian near Lahad Datu on Sunday evening.

Following the incident, police detained 19 workers comprising eight Indonesians and 11 Filipinos.

Hamza said security at the fish farm was minimal. This was the second kidnapping of foreign nationals in Sabah in a little over a month.

On April 2, seven gunmen abducted Chinese tourist Gao Hua Yuan, 29, and Filipino worker Marcy Dayawan, 40, from Singamata Adeventures and Reef Resort off Semporna.

The fish farm in Pulau Baik off Silam, Lahad Datu, where Chinese national Yang Zai Lin (inset) was kidnapped yesterday. Pic by Norasikin Daineh