“I didn’t even need the lyrics sheet. I already knew the songs because I had heard them so many times at home,” she told FMT.
“These were my father’s songs, and we were singing them at school,” she recalled with pride.
Growing up, the 38-year-old Siti Syafrina and her brother Megat Syahraini Suhaimi, a year younger, were immersed in their father’s world of creativity.
For the siblings, music and the arts have become a lifelong pursuit. Both are now directors of Pak Ngah Production, the production house that carries their father’s moniker.
Megat Syahraini remembers vividly how their father would disappear into his studio where he would be completely absorbed in his work.
“He didn’t like to be disturbed when he was composing. We knew that when he was in the studio, it was his time to create.
“But once the demo was ready, he would play it for us, over and over,” he said.
“I once heard him say that patriotic songs must have an upbeat marching rhythm, be easily remembered and conveyed to the people.
“We never imagined those songs would become such a powerful symbol for the nation,” Megat Syahraini added.
Suhaimi’s compositions are among the most iconic anthems in the country.
Others in his repertoire are “Maju dan Sejahtera”, the official anthem of the Federal Territories of Malaysia, as well as Malaysia’s royal anthem “Daulat Tuanku”.
Suhaimi’s influence extended beyond patriotic tunes. He also played a crucial role in revitalising and preserving traditional dances such as zapin, inang and joget.
Suhaimi’s work with singer Siti Nurhaliza also helped to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary music, making it more accessible to younger audiences.
Despite his intense dedication to his craft, Suhaimi never let his work get in the way of taking care of his family.
“Even though my father was truly a workaholic, he still prioritised being a good father. He was a perfect father figure who never neglected his responsibilities. Family always came first to him,” Siti Syafrina said.
She said Suhaimi ensured that his children stayed connected to their cultural roots, often taking them to work until they became familiar with traditional music and dance.
Megat Syahraini said Suhaimi’s contributions to Malaysian music even reached international audiences, with his compositions recognised in Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, India and even Lebanon.
He said Suhami was acknowledged in Indonesia as a maestro of Malay music, a testament to the profound impact of his work.
Carrying on a legacy
As the people who now manage Pak Ngah Production, the brother-and-sister team is dedicated to preserving and promoting their father’s legacy.
They believe his contribution to Malaysian music and culture will continue to resonate for generations to come.
“I believe his songs will continue to be played rather than fade away, much like those from P Ramlee’s era that have found new listeners, along with his films.
Siti Syafrina said Suhaimi wanted to ensure that Malaysian tunes continue to resonate with the younger generation rather than disappear altogether.
“This will help them recognise and appreciate our cultural heritage,” she added.
For Siti Syafrina, “Jalur Gemilang” and “Keranamu Malaysia” now serve as the legacy of a man who had dedicated his life to his country through his music.
“Listening to his songs played during national events fills us with pride. It’s a reminder of everything our father accomplished,” she said.
If given the chance to speak to their father, who passed away in 2018, both Siti Syafrina and Megat Syahraini know exactly what they would say.
“Thank you so much for leaving behind such a strong legacy for us and for laying the foundation that we can now build on.
“Thank you for making our lives easier. I am grateful to have a father like you. I love you,” Siti Syafrina said with tears in her eyes.
Megat Syahraini is grateful for his father’s guidance and for his contributions to the nation.
“God willing, we as a family will do our best to take care of the legacy that my father has left us,” he added.