Finas, Karyawan continue to assist maestro Ooi Eow Jin

PETALING JAYA: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia ( Finas) and Malaysian Artistes’ Association ( Karyawan) will continue to help Datuk Ooi Eow Jin to ease his burden.

The 80-year- old retired composer and songwriter who was diagnosed with Alzheimer in 2015 is currently being taken care of by his wife Datin Elaine Khaw who now sells cookies to raise funds to care for him and their son.

Her 54-year- old son Raymond was diagnosed with a brain tumour 40 years ago at the age of 14.

Ooi had collaborated with entertainers such as Datuk Sudriman Arshad, Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Rafeah Buang, M. Nasir, Salamiah Hassan, Francis Yip, and even the Alleycats, in a career that spans four decades, starting from the 1960s, but sadly, not many people know about him

He had given much contribution in developing the national music industry. Finas and Karyawan will continue to assist him, it’s sad to see him now. Datuk Fauzi Ayob, Finas director general

these days.

Finas director general Datuk Fauzi Ayob expressed his concern over Ooi’s health condition after visiting him yesterday.

Fauzi said Ooi’s contribution in the country’s music industry was priceless and Finas would continue to assist him

“He had given much contribution in developing the national music industry. Finas and Karyawan will continue to assist him, it’s sad to see him now,” he told Bernama, when met at Ooi’s house in Taman SEA, here.

During the visit, Finas also presented a donation to Ooi.

Meanwhile Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez who was also present, described Ooi as a legend for the music industry.

He was saddened to see Ooi’s condition, who was his long-time friend during the RTM days, who could not recognise him now.

“Right now we got an offer from an eldercare nursing home who would provide their service for free for Ooi and his son.

“We should not forget the old musicians who had shaped our music industry,” he said.

He said that Karyawan, an NGO that looks after the welfare of artistes in Malaysia, had raised RM50,000 for Ooi through a charity concert in 2015. — Bernama