Sorry to learn of the passing of Cikgu Muhammad Ariff Ahmad. He was a giant in the Malay literary world. Cikgu had a deep passion for and proficiency in the Malay language. His views were well sought after, including by the late Mr Zubir Said, in crafting the lyrics of Majulah Singapura.
Cikgu founded Angkatan Sasterawan ’50 (Asas ’50) to nurture interest in Malay literature, in Singapore and the region. He received numerous awards, including the Cultural Medallion for Literature in 1987 and the Long Service Medal in 1989.
We are grateful to Cikgu Ariff for his contributions to Singapore and the Malay/Muslim community. My deepest condolences to his family. - LHL
Saya dukacita mendapat tahu tentang pemergian Haji Muhammad Ariff Ahmad. Sebagai tokoh persuratan dan budaya Melayu yang amat disegani, cinta Cikgu Ariff kepada bahasa, seni dan budaya Melayu cukup terserlah dan pengetahuannya, mendalam. Pandangan dan bimbingannya sering diminta ramai termasuk Encik Zubir Said bagi senikata lagu kebangsaan kita, Majulah Singapura.
Beliau juga antara pelopor Angkatan Sasterawan 50 (Asas 50) yang lahir demi memupuk minat masyarakat dalam melestarikan bahasa dan budaya Melayu. Bagi mengiktiraf sumbangannya, Cikgu Ariff telah menerima pelbagai anugerah dari dalam dan luar negara.
Terimakasih Cikgu Ariff atas sumbangan anda kepada Singapura dan masyarakat Melayu/Islam. – LHL
(ST Photo © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.)
