A friendship good enough to sing about

PETALING JAYA: The enduring friendship between Malaysia and China is now being celebrated in a song performed by Malaysian singer-songwriter Ah Niu.

Titled Sayang Sayang My Dear Friend, the lyrics were written by Ah Niu together with Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat to mark the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.

The official music video for the song was released ahead of the golden jubilee of the milestone, which fell on May 31.

The song was first performed live by Ah Niu, whose real name is Tan Kheng Seong, at a Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia.

Footage of the event, which also showcased Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing, was included in the music video.

The lyrics, written in Chinese with verses in Malay, expressed the essence of friendship and unity between China and Malaysia, as well as the people from both nations.

Phrases like “Rakan sejati kasih setinggi gunung” (True friend, love as high as the mountains) and “Bagai alir sungai tak ada hujung” (Like the endless flow of a river) poignantly underscore the enduring bond between Malaysia and China.

It also emphasised that, despite challenges, the friendship between the two countries remains strong and resilient, with a shared desire for a long-lasting relationship.

Besides the meaningful lyrics, the song boasts a rich musical tapestry, incorporating traditional instruments such as the sape, sitar, gambus, rebana, yangqin and liuqin, which were shown in the music video as well.

“The production, involving over 100 instrumentalists and nearly 200 vocalists, took a total of six months to complete, from preparation to recording and post-production,” said Ah Niu on Facebook.

Facebook users have lauded the song for its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody.

One user, Hui Jah Wee, reflected on the positive reception, saying: “All ethnic groups in Malaysia need to work together and unite in heart to create a better future for the country! Great, nice, and meaningful song! Keep it up!”

Another user, Law Teik Yeong, who felt motivated, commented: “Very good song, with very good lyrics! Malaysians are great!”

Sayang Sayang My Dear Friend stands as a powerful testament to the strong and enduring friendship between China and Malaysia, celebrating five decades of diplomatic ties with hopes for an even brighter future.