NILAI, April 18, 2019 – The singer of the popular folk song ‘Lemak Manis’ and ‘ Menghilir di Sungai Pahang’, Roslan Madun was given a recognition from the Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) for his major contribution in promoting the local culture. The Pahang-born artist is known and respected by the art enthusiasts for his determination in advocating the syair and had become so popular in the Malay Archipelago (Nusantara) that he was given the title ‘Raja Syair Nusantara‘. Besides that, his name is also known for his folk songs which hit close to the hearts of the community.

USIM’s appreciation of Roslan Madun was officially conveyed by USIM’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Musa Ahmad during the Sembang Pohon Keranji 4.0 programme held yesterday (Wednesday, April 17), at the residence of the National Laureate, Professor Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Haji Salleh.

According to USIM Cultural Centre Director, Ismail Ahmed, Roslan Madun has utilised his vocal art talent for the continuity of traditional Malay heritage and culture in the form of syair and gurindam.

“His expertise has also been utilised by the Culture Centre to collaborate with in various programmes such as the Syair Alam Melayu Nusantara programme, syair reference footage for the national-level syair competitions organised by USIM and National Heritage Department and being selected as a Pesona Figura.”

“In appreciation of his artistic talent, the Cultural Centre has also produced two video clips of his syair, Syair Setia Kawan and Syair Budiman, which were sung with the rhythm of Siti Zubaidah and Perantau, respectively,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sembang Pohon Keranji 4.0 programme which was initiated by the USIM Cultural Centre has once again brought together more than 50 literary artists, activists, supporters and advocates from the whole country since its inception in 2016. This annual program that honoured the National Laureates focuses on literary and cultural discourses, poetry readings and art performances.

For Professor Dato’ Dr. Musa Ahmad, the hosting of the Sembang Pohon Keranji is in accordance with the current wishes of the Education Ministry for universities to take the initiative to bring campus members, especially students, and National Laureates together. He is also delighted that USIM has forged a connection with National Laureates earlier by honouring Professor Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Haji Salleh a few years back.

The event, themed ‘Bersuaralah’ (Speak Up), also featured a discourse titled ‘Aspek Kebebasan Bersuara dalam Sastera Tradisional’ (The Freedom of Expression Aspect in Traditional Literature) by Professor Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Haji Salleh, the Sixth National Laureate. The poetry declamation segment also attracted the audience’s attention for featuring a series of prominent figures including the 13th National Laureate Datuk Zurinah Hassan, Dato Rahman Shaari, Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rushdan Mohd Jailani, and USIM Vice-Chancellor. Then there was a poetry reading by USIM international students from Jordan and Nigeria who recited poetry in their native languages.

 

Prepared by:
Zaini Othman
Pusat Komunikasi Strategik (StraComm)
Aras 1, Canselori Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
Tel : 06-798 8026/78629/78620 Faks : 06-798 8032