SUDIRMAN HAJI ARSHAD

Sudirman Haji Arshad was born 25 of May 1954 in Temerloh Pahang. He had his early education at Temerloh Primary School, Pahang in 1961. His secondary education was at Sri Bahagia Secondary School, Temerloh and at Sultan Abu Bakar Secendary School, Kuantan Pahang where he completed his form six. He then went to the University Malaya from 1976 until 1980 and successfully graduated with a law degree. Although trained as a lawyer, he made his career as a singer.

He got involved in singing after being successful the champion of the RTM Star Search in 1976. He made his first EP under Warnada entitled “Teriring Doa” in the same year. He became an artiste of EMI in 1978 and his first album was “Aku Penghiburmu”.

During his lifetime, Sudirman was recorded 18 Malay and English albums produced in the form records and cassettes. After his demise, four more albums were produce between the year 1992 and 1996 making total 22 albums.


Amongst these were , “Perasaan” (1979), “Anak Muda” (1980), “LAgu Anak Desa” (1981), “Lagu Dari Kota” (1981), “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” (1981), “Abadi” (1982), “Lagu Cinta” (1982), “Images” (1983), “Orang Baru”(1984), “Lagu Dari Sebuah Bilik” (1984), “Malam Anak Desa di UKM” (1985), “Orang Kampung” (1986), “Kul It” (1989), “Pilihan sentimental Emas” (1987). “Asia’s No. 1 Performer” (1989), “Lagu-Lagu Rakyat” (1989), dan “Koleksi Klasik” (1991). After his demise the albums produced were “Jauh Di Sudut Hati” (1992), “Balik Kampung” (1993), “Setelah Kau Tiada” (1995) and “Dwidekat” (1996).

He got married in 1981, but ended in 1984. Divorced. Sudirman gave all his heart to his career including writing, sketching, and started his own company.



The singer with the people’s spirit was the only one who had created history by organizing his mega concert in middle of busy Chow Kit Road. Ha was also known for songs like “Chow Kit Road”, “Aku Penganggur”, “Balik Kampung” and patriotic song like “Tanggal 31”. Many of his songs used themes of city and country living and ordinary citizens making him an entertainer liked by many. Apart from Malaysia, his
albums were a hit in neighbouring countries like Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

Amongst his achievements in his career were, Best TV Entertainer 1978 and 1985, Best Entertainer Muzik Muzik 1987. His biggest achievement had been on 19th March 1989 in Royal Albert Hall, London when he won an award as the Number One Entertainer in Asia defeating singers from all Asian countries. He was also awarded the Malaysia’s Official Entertainment Ambassador by the Malaysian Tourism Board in 1985 and the Special Music Industry Award (AIM) in 1993.


He tried his luck in screen acting in a film entitled “Kami” directed by Patrick Yeoh. He was also active in the country’s singer association (PAPITA) and was a Deputy President.

In 1982, he was awarded the Johan Mangku Negara (JMN) Medal from the King and Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) from Sultan of Pahang. He was also awarded the Tokoh Berjasa Pahang Medal from the Arts and Tourism Committee of Pahang.

At 4 am on the 22nd of February 1992 at the age of 37 years, Sudirman passed away from pneumonia.