KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 – National Laureate Datuk Seri Abdul Samad Muhammad Said or A. Samad Said and renowned theatre dame Datuk Dr Faridah Merican were among seven outstanding individuals conferred the prestigious 2024 Merdeka Award.
Both of them were joint recipients of the Education and Community category award for their remarkable contributions in their respective fields.
Expressing his gratitude to the Merdeka Award Trust, A. Samad hopes the award will inspire the younger generation to contribute to the country according to their own abilities and potential.
“I never anticipated my novels would achieve such a success. Receiving praise and awards for them feels like an unexpected blessing, and I’m deeply honoured and grateful.
“Each time I write and receive positive feedback, it feels like a benefit not just for me, but also for the community. Moreover, I believe it becomes a valuable treasure for the nation,” the renowned novelist and poet told reporters at the 2024 Merdeka Award Announcement and Presentation Ceremony here.
The awards were presented by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, who is also the Merdeka Award Trust’s royal patron and chairman. Also in attendance was Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
A. Samad, 89, was awarded for his multifaceted contributions to Malay literature, which encompassed novels, poetry, essays, dramas and performing arts.
Meanwhile, Faridah, 84, who is known as the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre, was selected for her unwavering commitment, which has shaped Malaysia’s performing arts landscape and provided Malaysians with invaluable access and exposure to the arts.
The co-founder of the Actors Studio, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, and the Performing Arts Centre of Penang aspires that the local performing arts industry would become a dynamic and inclusive hub for creativity, where emerging artists are nurtured, innovative works are celebrated, and the community is united through shared experiences and cultural enrichment.
“I hope to see more theatres being established as long as I live. While many new theatres have emerged, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, it’s unfortunate that they are not spreading throughout the country. My wish is for theatres to be established nationwide,” she said.
Involved in the scene since the 1960s, she shared with her husband, Joe Hasham, the motivation to develop the performing arts and education in the field.
Her co-founding of The Actors Studio in 1989 is of immense significance, providing one of the earliest platforms for contemporary theatre in Malaysia and greatly advancing the country’s performing arts industry to showcase their skills while fostering artistic innovation.
Other recipients for this year’s Merdeka Award include Prof Dr Joy Jacqueline Pereira (Environment category), Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman (Health, Science and Technology category), Emeritus Prof Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram (Outstanding Scholastic Achievement) and Dr Kathryn Anne Rivai (Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia).
Meanwhile, Ian Yee Ngan Fui, a multi-award-winning journalist and co-founder of The Fourth, as well as the Resident Investigative Editor for the Asia Investigative Reporting Network, has been honoured with the prestigious Anugerah Harapan Merdeka award.
