KUALA LUMPUR: The death of evergreen crooner Datuk Nassier Wahab, 57, has robbed Malaysia of one of its finest gentlemen and its “Peter Pan of pop”.
Nassier’s close friend and fellow 1980s singer, Datuk Shah Rezza, said he was a “great guy to hang out with” and never lost his cool under any circumstances.
“I’m devastated to hear of his death at such a young age. All these years, he was a picture of youth and health, and his formula was simple — no iced drinks, eat a balanced diet, be kind and forgiving, and think positively,” said Shah Rezza, who performed with Nassier in the 1980s entertainment show Hiburan Minggu Ini.
Shah Rezza said it was a joy to work with Nassier, having recorded two spiritually-themed albums, Pedoman (1997) and Pedoman 2 (2013), with their close friends Ebby Saiful, Ahmad Fauzee and Syed Sobrie.
“He also sang the theme song for my telemovie Permata Hati five years ago, besides performing in the Islamic Fashion Festival that I organised in Jakarta three years ago. Losing him is like losing a part of me.”
Singer-actor Ahmad Fauzee said: “I’ve lost a loving brother. When he was among us, he had a knack for cracking jokes and we loved to tease each other. Gone is his distinctive blend of soulful singing. No words can express how much I’ll miss him.”
Singer Datuk Zainalabidin described Nassier as a “sweet and kind gentleman for all seasons”. He said: “He was always a youthful, cheerful man with a heart of gold. Working with him was always a pleasure because he was professional and positive. Malaysia has lost a legend and an icon.”
KRU Group chief executive officer Datuk Norman Abdul Halim said Nassier had always endeared himself to singers from various decades as he was quick to adapt to the times, and befriended newcomers to the industry while keeping in touch with veterans.
“Nassier exemplified timelessness in Malaysian music. He never stopped learning and kept improving, and got along great with everyone. It is a sad day for Malaysian music, but he will remain in our hearts forever.”
Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanah Air chairman Datuk DJ Dave said that he had lost a dear friend who was a role model to all artistes.
“Nassier was the kindest and gentlest soul I’ve ever met. He loved his craft and performed for various events when invited, because entertaining fans was his priority and passion.”
Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said Nassier’s death was an irreplaceable loss.
“He was a dedicated member of our association who was involved in charitable activities.
“People from all walks of life admired him for his showmanship and friendliness.
“He was one in a million.”
Nassier died of gum cancer at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre at 12.45am yesterday. He had been suffering from the disease for the last five years, and underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his left jaw on June 1.
The singer, whose famous songs included Memori Cinta Luka, Bayangan Wajah Luka and Sekali Aku Jatuh Cinta, hailed from Teluk Air Tawar, Butterworth, and began his singing career in the 1980s.
Twice nominated for Popular Male Artiste at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian in 1987 and 2004, Nassier was known for his soulful renditions of Asli songs as well as his youthful looks, which made fans dub him the Peter Pan of Malaysian pop.
He was also dubbed Malaysia’s Alan Tam because of his uncanny resemblance to the evergreen Cantopop King of Hong Kong.
Besides singing, Nassier also acted in a film, Si Jantung, with AR Badul and a television drama, Episod Terakhir, with Eman Manan.
Nassier was buried at the Batu Belah Muslim Cemetery in Klang at 11.35am yesterday. He is survived by his wife, Datin Fatimah Abdul Rauf, 56, and daughter, Intan Najihah, 22.
Among the artistes who attended his funeral were DJ Dave, Datuk Nash, Datuk M. Nasir, Zarul Husin, Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim, Ramlah Ram and Herman Tino.