KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 — Legendary comedian Datuk Jamali Shadat died at his home in Kampung Sungai Pinang, Pulau Indah, Port Klang at 8.30am today. He was 78.
The sad news of the passing of the man who will always be remembered for his “Atan” voice was confirmed by his grandson Isyraq Ariff Zalull Ariff, 31.
Isyraq Ariff, when contacted by Bernama, said Jamali Shadat will be laid to rest in Pulau Indah today.
Jamali Shadat was a household name in the 1970s and was able to mimic voices easily into that of “Atan”, a boy, “Atan”s grandfather “Atok” and the boy’s friends who were made up of various races.
His ability to make jokes in Mandarin, Javanese and Tamil in his comedy routines made him a big hit among the multi-racial population in Malaysia.
Isyraq Ariff also uploaded a posting on the passing of the legend on his Facebook that was accompanied by old pictures of the comedian with the caption: “Selamat Tinggal Atan (Farewell Atan) … Please offer Al-Fatihah prayers for Datuk Jamali Shadat.”
Prior to this, it was reported that Jamali Shadat was not in good health and had a poor appetite.
Meanwhile, Port Klang assemblyman Azmizam Zaman Huri expressed sadness over the passing of the legend on his Facebook.
RTM Veterans Association (PVRTM) president Zohara Gany Mhd Bathusha in a statement described the passing of Jamali as a great loss to the national entertainment industry.
“His death is a huge loss which cannot be replaced,” she said.
Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair said it would channel donations to Jamali’s family.
Meanwhile, fellow artistes expressed their condolences to Jamali’s family including Datuk Nash, Datuk DJ Dave and Datuk Aznil Nawawi.
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in his Facebook post, said Jamali would be missed by many.
— Bernama
