After receiving news on the plight of MACP’s founding member, representatives from MACP visited Ooi Eow Jin recently and gave a contribution to assist him and his family.

Pak Jin as he was fondly known during his RTM days, is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless during this visit, he could still recall his early days in RTM and old friends including Habsah Hassan, Tan Sri Ahmad Merican, Dato Johari Salleh and the late Alfonso Soliano.

Having spent all his savings to support his 2 sons’ university education and subsequently their medical bills, it is most unfortunate that one passed away due to leukemia and another is suffering from brain tumour. With no fixed income after retiring as a resident pianist at The Majestic Hotel last month at the age of 77, Ooi will likely move to Penang with his wife and son.

Ooi’s arrangements of “Cabaret” and “Big Spender” helped Sudirman win Bintang RTM 1976 and became a star. After leaving as head of the RTM Orchestra, Ooi moved to TV3 in 1986 where he composed and arranged music for the station until 1999. Amongst his notable compositions are Sudirman’s “Gerimis Di Lautan” and his first hit “Teriring Doa”.

Having contributed a lot to the local music scene, it is heartening to know that many Malaysians have come forward to help Ooi in his difficult times and we wish him well.