EKSPRESI 2021: Meraikan Tari Kreasi, Merangkul Inovasi

EKSPRESI 2021
Meraikan Tari Kreasi, Merangkul Inovasi
Three-Episode Digital Docuseries
Episode 1: 3 Dec 2021
Episode 2: 10 Dec 2021
Episode 3: 17 Dec 2021
Supported by:

About Ekspresi 2021
Ekspresi is DIAN Dancers’ quadrennial end-of-year festival.
In the past, Ekspresi has proudly brought together members of the local and regional Malay Dance community.
Groups such as Era Dance Theatre, Perkumpulan Seni, Artiste Seni Budaya, Atrika Dance Company and Attrians
have participated in Ekspresi over the years from 2008. This year, DIAN Dancers’ Ekspresi will spotlight the
Malay Dance genre Kreasi, which focuses on the spirit of innovation in Malay Dance. With Kreasi,
choreographers reimagine canonical repertoire. In Ekspresi, choreographers will be adapting and reimagining
repertoire from Perkumpulan Seni, one of Singapore’s oldest arts establishments in Singapore founded in 1956.
The presentation this year features 5 local, young Malay Dance choreographers, as well as choreographies by
DIAN Dancer’s 3 founding members. The project is a 3 part online docuseries consisting of the pre-recorded
performances, edited with interviews with the young choreographers and DIAN Dancers’ 3 founders. It also
features a dance item from Perkumpulan Seni as homage for using their works as inspiration.
About DIAN Dancers
DIAN Dancers first emerged in the Malay Arts scene in 2003 (ROS registered in 2013). The troupe's name which
means “glowing light” which corresponds with their motto, “Menyuluh Wawasan Budaya” (Envisioning the Future
our Culture). DIAN was established by Abdul Yazid Juhuri and later, co-founders, Md Izwan Sarif and Soultari
Amin Farid came in 2005, to provide support to bring the group forward. It has maintained a healthy membership
of 25 members across the years with ages ranging from 17 years old to early 30s.
The vision of the troupe is to educate practising youths who are regarded as the next generation of our art form.
DIAN Dancers is invested in the creation of programmes which are specially catered to foster and educate young
artists of their cultural traditions, performing art forms and artistic creation. Our current programmes include
teaching the foundations ofMalay dances and music (Asli, Inang, Masri, Joget & Zapin) and also to provide
platforms such as artistic and social events for our members to connect with one another, their founding and
senior members as well as members of the public.
About Perkumpulan Seni
The meeting of various arts activists on 8 July 1956 led to the founding of Perkumpulan Seni, with its main
objective of expanding and preserving the originality and artistic values of various Malay art forms. With the motto
“Seni Untuk Masyarakat” (Arts for the Community), their core objective is to guide and build artistic understanding
towards the community.
Apart from staging productions and publishing its own books, Perkumpulan Seni is actively involved in various
Malay arts activities, mostly in drama, dance and literature, locally and internationally.
Amongst its pioneers are Usman Awang (poet and writer), A. Ghani Hamid (writer, poet, visual artist), Bani
Buang, “The Father of Malay Drama” who introduced Malay drama on television, and Zubir Said, composer of
Singapore’s national anthem.
EKSPR
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Artistic Director / President
Dr. Muhd Noramin Mohd Farid
Ekspresi 2021 promises to be an eventful festival filled with innovative performances and educational
components to understand the practice of Malay dance in Singapore. It is dedicated especially for those
who have been keen observers to the growth of DIAN Dancers. This year in December we will
celebrate our 18th birthday since our humble inception in 2003.
We acknowledge that the past two years have been a very difficult period due to Covid-19 especially
the limitations that have restricted live performances and group trainings. We had to resort to online
Zoom trainings for most part of our rehearsals for this festival but when tight regulations were eased,
we took every opportunity to do it physically -- remaining steadfast despite the ever changing situation!
We have chosen to make Ekspresi different in 2021, offering this platform for our own artists, in
particular those who have shown development and keen interest in choreography. For the past three
Ekspresi festivals, we focused on both local and international performers. But this year we wanted to
take on an introspective approach to look at the diverse and potential talents that we have within. We
offer the spotlight to five choreographers who are willing to take this challenge! And I must say that they
have done it very well with much room for further growth.
In addition, we saw fit to highlight Perkumpulan Seni (PS), a pioneer arts organisation in the country,
established in 1956. We gave our choreographers the challenge to be inspired by some of PS's iconic
works that continue to be remembered and practised today. At the same time, we saw this digital
platform as an opportunity to bring together some of the Malay dance CCA groups and collectives who
are under the purview of our co-founders such as, Kesenian Si Anak Tari (Temasek Polytechnic),
Wangsa Kesari Seni (Singapore Polytechnic), Theatre diploma graduates of Nanyang Academy of Fine
Arts (NAFA).
Personally, I am blessed to have had the opportunity to direct this wonderful festival and I am glad that
we could all come together despite the circumstances to celebrate the innovation and dynamic practice
that continues to shape Malay dance today. We hope Ekspresi 2021, will be as meaningful to you as it
is for us from DIAN Dancers!
xx 3 December 2021 xxx
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introducing...
Choreography: Rabiatuladawiyah
Composer: Al-Hafiz Jamat
Sulaman Mesra
Inspiration drawn from Perkumpulan Seni's
"Tari Selamat Datang" (1990s) by Kamal Ridzuan
Rabiatuladawiyah
Dalam sulaman ada kesenian, setiap benang mempunyai
kepentingan. Seperti kehidupan, ikatan terjalin antara
satu sama lain. Sulaman Mesra menggambarkan
persaudaraan antara anak-anak dara, tentang turun naik
sebuah jalinan yang dibina dalam sebuah ikatan yang
dipanggil kehidupan.
There is beauty in the art of sewing. Each thread bears
significance. Just like life, yours intertwines with that of
others. Sulaman Mesra is a depiction of sisterhood,
where paths cross, just like sewing, and experiences are
just threads in this fabric we call life.
Rabia first started dancing in secondary school and found her
passion for dancing at Polytechnic level with CCA group,
Kesenian Si Anak Tari, under the tutelage of Soultari Amin
Farid and later Abdul Yazid Juhuri. She was also the
president of the CCA group and received an Akaraka
scholarship for her leadership and artistic involvement in
2013.
Today, Rabia is the assistant choreographer of her former
CCA. Through her involvement with DIAN Dancers, she has
received in-depth education in Malay Dance and was invited
to be a collaborator for two projects, Bhumi Collective’s Twine
(2017) and Tripitaka’s festival, Play 2019. Most recently, she
became a member of Perkumpulan Seni and participated in
Singapore Writers Festival 2020 and Muara Festival 2021,
under the tutelage of Kamel Ridzuan (Sp?).
Masri Tawadad
Choreography: Hidayat Zainal
Composer: Al-Hafiz Jamat
Hidayat Zainal
Inspiration drawn from Perkumpulan Seni's
"Masri Kini" (2000) by Kamal Ridzuan
Hidayat first experienced Malay dances in Lanang Ayunda,
Malay dance CCA ITE East wherein he was assigned
leadership roles. He joined DIAN Dancers in 2013 and has
developed choreographic skills through his experiences
working alongside his founder, Abdul Yazid Bin Juhuri. He
have represented DIAN in local and international Malay
dance festivals. Hidayat choreographed for dance
productions in DIAN Dancers’ such as "Ragawi Graduation"
, “Terkenang” and "Suri" .
Masri Tawadad is a Masri Arab inspired choreography. The
title of this dance came from the word “Tawadad” which is
an Arabic translation of the word "courtship. Drawing
inspiration from bird's mating ritual, movements of the birds
during their mating dance with the exoticness of Arabic
melodies and rhythm were incorporated.
Masri Tawadad adalah sebuah karya Masri Arab. Tajuk
tarian ini, Tawadad, adalah terjemahan dari bahasa Arab
yang bermaksud terjalinnya pacaran. Inspirasi untuk karya
ini adalah dari ritual mengawan burung, dimana gerakan
burung-burung mengawan disatukan dengan melodi dan
ritma Arab.
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Zapin Arus Bushra
Choreography: Nurul Farahani
Composer: Aidil Akmal
Inspiration drawn from Perkumpulan Seni's
"Zapin Gelombang (2003) by Kamal Ridzuan
Nurul Farahani
Farahani has been with DIAN Dancers since 2010. Her
recent choreography works in DIAN Dancers are SURI and
"Terkenang” (To Reminisce) in 2018. She was involved in
Bhumi Collective’s Singapore-KL collaboration “Sau(dara)”
in 2019 and "Glam" by Teater Muzikal Collective in 2018.
As an alumnus of Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Malay Dance,
Itra Tari, she was invited to choreograph for “Naluri Anak
Penari” (A Dancer’s Instinct) in 2017.
Zapin Arus Bushra menampilkan pelbagai gerakan lembut dan
tangkas yang melambangkan pelbagai rintangan seperti air
laut yang ada pasang surutnya. Namun disebalik cabaran
yang kita dihadapi, pastinya ada pembawaan berita yang baik,
iaitu bushra.
Zapin Arus Bushra presents the variety of fluid and sharp
movements that signify the many different obstacles like the
sea's changing tides. Despite the challenges we face, good
news definitely awaits -- bushra, it is called.
Choreography: Aizat Haikal
Composer: Aidil Akmal
Belaian Rindu,
Lambaian Sayang
Inspiration drawn from Perkumpulan Seni's
"Sayang Serawak" (2011) by Kamal Ridzuan
Aizat Haikal
The blossoming of matrimonial love continues to the love and
care towards the family. A love that transcend time, space
and life itself. From young till end. A tribute for my family.
Cinta yang mekar yang dicurahkan melalui kasih sayang
ibubapa kepada keluarga yang dibina. Kasih sayang yang
melangkaui masa, ruang dan kehidupan. Dari kecil sehingga
ke akhir hayat. Satu penghargaan buat keluargaku.
Gurauan Mesra
Aizat Haikal started out in Malay Theatre with Singapore
Polytechnic's Sang Singa Purba. He became the founder and
resident choreographer of Wangsa Kesari Seni. The Malay dance
CCA group has performed in Muara, Heritage Festival, Lantern
Festival and more. They joined their 1st competition Persada Juara
Tari (2013) and clinched 5th position.
Influenced by his elder Sister, Nurul Asyiqin, who was already a
dancer then, he joined Dian Dancers in 2008. Aizat Haikal has
represented Dian Dancers in Gentarasa, Official opening Malay
Heritage Centre, Festival Tari Serumpun and much more. In
addition, with Dian Dancers, he has performed in Australia, Japan
and Taiwan. He also had the opportunity to choreograph under
Dian Dancers projects namely 'Terkenang' in 2018.
Choreography: Syafiqah
Composer: Aidil Akmal
Inspiration drawn from Perkumpulan Seni's
"Joget Terudar" (2007) by Kamal Ridzuan
Syafiqah
Syafiqah is a dancer and committee member of
DIAN Dancers. In 2017, she was given an opportunity
by Soultari Amin Farid to become assistant
choreographer in her former CCA, where she found
her passion in Malay Dance. She was also involved in
other programmes such as Sau(dara) and NUSA.
The shy and playful interaction during a courtship with a
significant other,
Always catching a glimpse of each other,
Making tireless gestures to get the attention of the other,
Will the effort prevail and they end up together.
Bergurau senda bersama pasangan pilihan
Sentiasa berpandangan mesra antara satu sama lain
Tidak jemu menarik perhatian, menunjukkan kasih sayang
Adakah usahanya akan berjaya dan mereka akhir bersama
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featuring...
Beralun Langkah
Choreography: Mohd Kamel Ridzuan
Mohd Kamel Ridzuan
Sebuah tarian yang sederhana.
Menunjukkan gerak dan tingkah tarinya yang indah.
Lenggok gayanya membuaikan sukma.
Beriring irama, beralun langkah.
Mohd Kamel Ridzuan is a choreographer and the head of Perkumpulan
Seni's dance section. He became a member of Perkumpulan Seni in the
late 1970s and was also a dancer with the National Dance Company in
the 80s. In his 40 years of contribution to the Malay dance scene, Mohd
Kamel has had experience performing at international festivals in
Belgium, Malaysia and Philippines.
A humble work of dance.
Portraying beautiful movement and manners.
The swaying movement evokes the soul.
Music enhances every movement.
Choreography: Abdul Yazid Juhuri
Composer: Al-Hafiz Jamat
Fluid articulation of fingers
Each step moved with grace
Coquettish eyes arousing the soul
To bring joy to a weary heart
Oh Sweet smelling musk flower
Unfulfilled intentions bring disappointment
Oh my lady who fills my heart
May you meet the beholder of your heart
Juwitaku
Lemah Gemalai jari tersusun
Langkah di orak penuh bersantun
Mata menjeling jiwa beralun
Mana nak hibur hati yang gerun
Harum sungguh si bunga kasturi
Hajat tak sampai kecewa lagi
Wahai juwita pujaan di hati
Moga kau bertemu si jantung hati
Abdul Yazid Juhuri
Abdul Yazid Juhuri is a choreographer and founder of DIAN Dancers which
he established in 2003. He started dancing with Putra Putri Seni, a Malay
dance group CCA in ITE Bishan under the guidance of Hartini Md Yusof. His
advancement in Malay dance was cultivated through his activities with
Perkumpulan Seni and People's Association's Teater TarI Era.
Yazid was President of DIAN Dancers from 2013 - 2020 and under his
leadership the group has travelled to perform in many festivals namely
Australia, Taiwan, Thailand and India.
Langkah Kesari Seni
Choreography: Izwan Sarif
Composer: Azrin Abdullah
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Izwan Sarif
Izwan Sarif is a choreographer and a bridal business
entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of DIAN Dancers and is
the resident choreographer of Singapore Polytechnic’s
Malay dance CCA troupe, Wangsa Kesari Seni since 2012.
Izwan's Malay dance journey began with People's
Association's Teater Tari Era in 2002.
He is also the co-founder and CEO of his bridal services
company, Putih Bridal which he established in 2010. Izwan
received his WSQ Diploma in Arts Management in 2013.
Langkah Kesari Seni is a Zapin piece that portrays the spirit and
energy of youths. Kesari Seni means the "Lions of Art" and the
dancers are playing these important role. A dance that blends swift
and sharp movements, coupled with consistent change of floor
patterns -- a reflection of rapid development of the world today.
Langkah Kesari Seni adalah sebuah karya Zapin yang menonjolkan
sukma dan tenaga pemuda hari ini. Kesari Seni membawa maksud
"Singa Seni" dan penari-penari memainkan peranan penting ini.
Sebuah tarian yang menyatukan pergerakkan tangkas dan cepat,
ditambah dengan polar lantai yang menyambung -- satu cerminan
berubahan yang pesat pada masa kini.

Ilham Pujangga
Choreography: Soultari Amin Farid
Rearranger: Muhd Aryandi Ahmad
Dancers: Kesenian Si Anak Tari
(Temasek Polytechnic)
"Iya, anak muda itu tiada mati kerana tergelincir kakinya
Tetapi matinya anak muda itu, ialah kerana tergelincir lidahnya
Berdiam dirilah kamu kepada perkara yang bukan-bukan
Bersuaralah kamu kepada perkara yang memberi kebaikan"
- Ismail Haron, penyanyi dan penulis lirik, Ilham Pujangga (1972)
Soultari Amin Farid
Better known by his stage name, Soultari
Amin Farid, Dr Noramin Farid was trained in
Malay dance with Perkumpulan Seni. He is
a choreographer, arts educator and
researcher.
Amin is the Joint-Artistic Director of Bhumi
Collective, a multidisciplinary performing
arts and producing company; and the
president of DIAN Dancers. a Malay dance
youth group.
Amin is a recipient of the ASEAN-India
Youth Award (2018), Singapore Youth
Award (2017), National Arts Council
Scholarship (2017) and Goh Chok Tong
Mendaki Youth Promise Award (2016). He
holds a PhD in Theatre, Drama and Dance
Studies from Royal Holloway, University of
London, UK.
Perjuangan
"Yes, the youth has died not because he has fallen
But he died betrayed by his own tongue
Don't speak of unnecessary things
But speak loud of that which brings goodness"
- Ismail Haron, singer and lyricist, Ilham Pujangga (1972)
Choreography: Soultari Amin Farid
Composer: Aidil Akmal
Dancers; Lyn Hanis &
NAFA Theatre Diploma Graduates
A Zapin piece which portrays the rigorous journey for youths,
to understand who they truly are deep inside.
The adage "united we stand, divided we fall" provides a lesson about
life, especially for those who are still searching for their direction.
Sebuah tarian Zapin yang memaparkan semangat perjuangan
pemuda-pemudi untuk terus mengenal jati diri mereka.
Peribahasa "bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita roboh" sebagai satu
bekalan kehidupan buat mereka yang masih mencari arah.
Pajong: A Tribute
Original Choreography: Salinah Mohamed
Choreography Rearranged by: Soultari Amin Farid
Composer: Azrin Abdullah
Performed by Alumni of :
Kesenian Si Anak Tari (Temasek Polytechnic)
Wangsa Kesari Seni (Singapore Polytechnic)
Tujuan saya membuat penghargaan untuk Kak Salinah adalah
kerana kehilangan beliau telah memberi satu kesan yang pedih
dan mendalam buat saya. Sebagai anak jati Perkumpulan Seni
(PS) saya banyak bergaul dan membesar bersama kakakkakak
PS dan Kak Salinah adalah satu-satunya inspirasi seni
saya yang terawal.
Seniman-seniman meninggalkan karya-karya yang
memperingatkan kita tentang fungsi seni sebagai satu luahan
yang indah dan mendalam maknanya. Dengan membawa
kembali tarian ini dan mengajarnya kepada anak-anak didik
saya, saya menganggap karya Kak Salinah ini sebagai satu
anugerah untuk kita hayati sepanjang zaman.
Salinah Mohamed (1978- 2019)
The intention for my tribute for Kak Salinah is because
losing her left quite a deep and painful impact on me.
As a member of Perkumpulan Seni (PS), I spent grew
up with and spent a lot of time with my sisters from PS
and Kak Salinah was one of my earliest people to inspire
me artistically.
Artists live behind works dan remind us of the function of
the arts as an expression of beauty (life) and deep
symbolisms. By reviving this dance and to teach it to my
students, I regard Kak Salinah's work as a gift for us to
appreciate forevermore.
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Kreasi as Strategy:
A Practitioner-Scholar Reflection
Dr. Muhd Noramin Mohd Farid
Kreasi is regarded as a genre by Malay dance practitioners. As a label, it was first
introduced to practitioners in Singapore through Indonesian practitioners in the late 21st
century who were already using the label to denote dance and music creations that were
regarded as not purely traditional but still fit within the paradigm of the traditional.
Markers of what constitute as “traditional”, “kreasi” or “kontemporari”, labels that
actively used today, are usually determined by elite personalities within a community of
practice who are mostly traditionalist by orientation. This means that kreasi as a genre
is a way for some (within the community of practice) to denote a work that does not
conform to a perceived authenticity of the traditional.
As an avid practitioner-scholar within the Malay dance scene, I have observed and
regard kreasi as a reaction by traditionalists, to allay their anxiety and to make sense of
a hyper-modern environment in which they live in. This is also a response to the realities
that ageing practitioners are faced with as their successors become receptive and
proponents of hybridising global cultures and popular phenomenon.
Aside from the contesting views that continue to shape the discourse of the practice
today, I am eager to argue for kreasi as a strategy and pedagogy to subvert and negotiate
the contending paradigms of practice. This is possible due to the in-between nature that
kreasi falls in the tradisional-kontemporari spectrum, which allows for creativity to
thrive. However, in order for creativity to happen through the genre of kreasi, there must
be an awareness of the elements that are present within the traditional form itself.
As a guide, I list some of the fundamental elements of the form:
a. Dance Techniques b. Dance Motifs c. Floor Patterns
d. Genre Makers of Music e. Costume f. props
This list is not exhaustive and choreographers may consider the specific elements that
inspire them to lead into the choreographic process.
As the choreographic process ensues, it is the framework of the “traditional” helps to
keep kreasi within the expectations of the community of practice – however, I would say
that these expectations still offer room for negotiation. Such expectations are not
written but would require the role of elder practitioners to provide some guidance. As
such I see kreasi as a dynamic genre that exists best as a in-between marker and it is due
to its ever evolving nature, we should see it as both a strategy and a tool of pedagogy.
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Just some preliminary thoughts for a longer article in the near future!

CREATIVE TEAM
Artistic Director
Producer
Choreographers
Composers
Rearranger
Video &
Technical Director
Muhd Noramin Bin Mohd Farid
Deanna Binte Dzulkifli for
Bhumi Collective
Mohd Kamel Ridzuan (PS)
Abdul Yazid Bin Mohamad Juhuri
Muhd Noramin Bin Mohd Farid
Md Izwan Bin Sarif
Muhammad ‘Aizat Haikal Bin Saini
Nurul Farahani Bte Idris
Muhammad Hidayat Bin Zainal
Rabiatuladawiyah Binte Zakaria
Syafiqah Binte Muhammad Shaharuddin
Aidil Akmal
Al Hafiz Jamat
Azrin Abdullah
Muhammad Aryandi Bin Ahmad
Fadlin Faladino
DIAN Dancers
Eya Awal Din
Hazirah Nur-Fatihah Binte Rosli
Muhamad Amir Adip Bin Azhar
Muhammad ‘Aizat Haikal Bin Saini
Muhammad Fawwaz Bin Mohamed Farok
Muhammad Hidayat Bin Zainal
Nur Amalina Binte Samin
Nur Namira Binte Surani
Nur Safinatun Najah Binte Mohd Sulaiman
Nur Syafikha Bte Rahimat
Nurshuhadah Binte Mohamed Sayadi
Nurul Asyiqin Bte Saini
Nurul Farahani Bte Idris
Rabiatuladawiyah Binte Zakaria
Siti Ayuni Binte Mohd Kamar
Siti Nur Atikah Bte Rosli
Suzanna Binte Abdul Rahman
Syafiqah Binte Muhammad Shaharuddin
Syaza Umairah Binte Salam
Tutik Humaira Binte Mohamed Tahir
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Guest Dancers
Aaron Hogan
Anna Natassha Binte Musa
Dzulkarnaen Bin Mohamad Djohan
Dzulkarnaen Bin Zainol Abiddin
Lyn Hanis Bte Rezuan
Muhammad Izman Bin Kamilan
Noorhidayu Binte A Malek
Nur Artiqa Faryaini Binte Salimi
Nur Nadhirah Binte Mofe
Nurul Amira Binte Mohd Azlin
Tajiyah Sulwana Binte Tajuddin
WANGSA KESARI SENI
(Singapore Polytechnic)
Muhammad Ayyub Bin Azman
Muhammad Farhan Bin Abdul Razak
Nur Munawarah Binte Siddik Wahid
Nur Nabilah Binte Shariffudin
Nur Syahirah Binte Ridzwan
Sri Maryani Binte Roni
PERKUMPULAN SENI
Fatin Hazira Bte Mohamad Juffery
Luqman Nurhakim Azlan
Muhammad Sa’Ed Bin Abdul Fattah
Nuri Haqirah Binte Mohamed Hazmi
Rabiatuladawiyah Binte Zakaria
Rena Shafiqah Binte Rosmadi
KESENIAN SI ANAK TARI
(Temasek Polytechnic)
Charmaine Sharlina Bte Mohd Hairy
Dwi Nur Zulaikha Bte Salahuddin
Eizza Hashiela Binte Mohd Taufik
Ella Nabilah Bte Mohamad Haermee
Hazirah Binte Ismail
Irdina 'Ain Binte Mohamed Affandi
Nur Liyana Binte Mohamad Joned
Nur Qistina Bte Shamser
Nur Sakinah Aqilah Bte Muhammad Yazid
Nurfaizah Binte Shariff
Putri Annisaa' Bte Mahmod
Qistina Adlina Binte Sofian
Siti Nuraisyah Binte Roslan
Su'Aidi Bin Sugito
Syafa Ramadana Binte Rohan
Special Thanks
Perkumpulan Seni
Mohd Kamal Ridzuan
Mohd Kamel Ridzuan
Sarimah Mohamed
Suleha Jumaat
Ariffin Abdullah
Sri Mahligai
Attrians Singapore
In The Memory of
Staff Sgt Salinah Mohamed
(1978-2019)
"Harimau mati meninggalkan belang,
Manusia mati meninggalkan nama..."