Adorable video of Tun Siti Hasmah practising Selamat Hari Raya on violin wins praise for being a good student
Not many people may be aware that Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the beloved wife of Malaysia’s Prime Minister, is actually quite an adept violinist!
In fact, the 92-year-old had been an avid player during war years but stopped for 70 years before picking up the instrument again in 2018.
She used to play as a child but put down her bow at 16 to focus on her studies. That bow was picked up some 70 years later at the age of 86.
However, being an 86-year-old senior with failing eyesight, she has to learn the songs by heart and play by ear. Who knew she was such a melophile?
Despite the many years of silence, it looks like her skills are not too rusty.
The nonagenarian has been polishing her skills under the tutelage of Endang Hyder, the Malaysian violinist who went viral for her covers of hit songs.
Endang shared a video of their practice session on Twitter, calling the maternal figure a good student.
She also praises Dr Siti Hasmah for her punctuality and eagerness to practice, making sure to understand and remember the form of each song.
This is an example of a good student. Tun Hasmah in time for classes, always nak practice to make sure she understand and remember the form of each songs. Playing by ear and knows where she put and compile all her notations. pic.twitter.com/2xBOOmZzWZ
— Endang Hyder (@EndangHyder) July 2, 2019
The video is undeniably adorable with Dr Siti Hasmah earnestly playing Saloma’s iconic Selamat Hari Raya song before fumbling a little at the end.
Of course, the internet took notice, and many were impressed by Dr Siti Hasmah’s dedication to the string instrument.
This how you keep your brain sharp.
— Pirata D Malayo (@ArjunaTheodore) July 2, 2019
Comel gila tun 😍
— Danieloneal (@dnieloneal) July 2, 2019
Translation: Tun is so cute
She’s so cute 😭
— Daniel Balan (@danielbalan_) July 2, 2019
wow I’m amazed!
— putridewi (@Dewiputri) July 2, 2019
Given the popularity of her initial tweet along with multiple requests, Endang shared another video of their practice session. This time with them playing P. Ramlee’s ‘Getaran Jiwa’.
Well since you guys love our lovely and cute Tun Hasmah perform her violin, this is us practicing Getaran Jiwa. Please enjoy our 1st Lady performances. pic.twitter.com/cp5CbI4wr4
— Endang Hyder (@EndangHyder) July 2, 2019
Not bad right? Just goes to show that age is no barrier!
