SHAH ALAM – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has reinforced its commitment to preserving national heritage by housing the extensive musical legacy of the late National Laureate Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Nawab.
Encompassing more than 600 works created throughout his illustrious career, this invaluable repository is anchored by the addition of an exclusive two-volume publication titled "Sentuhan Emas Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab" to the university's collection.
Published in collaboration with the Communications Ministry through MyCreative Ventures, the commemorative publication is exceptionally rare, with only 50 physical copies printed worldwide.
The comprehensive two-volume set goes beyond traditional musical notations by featuring exclusive photographs alongside the maestro's actual final handwriting captured prior to his passing, which serves as a core element of the book's artistic design.
The official handover took place during a special ceremony at the Library Community Engagement space within Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak (PTAR) at UiTM Shah Alam, yesterday.
The exclusive manuscript was presented to the institution by Nasir Khan, who is the late icon's son and the author of the publication.
UiTM Faculty of Music dean Professor Dr Tazul Izan Tajuddin said the collection serves as an essential bridge for students, lecturers and researchers to explore the late composer's musical philosophy.
"Today, we are not merely receiving a book. We are receiving a heritage manuscript that captures the heartbeat and pulse of the nation's music industry," he said during the event.
He added that as Malaysia's seventh National Laureate, the late composer's extensive body of work acts as a vital educational resource for younger generations striving to understand the creative processes and philosophies of a true artistic icon.
The significance of the handover was further enlivened by a musical tribute delivered by students from the UiTM Faculty of Music, who performed several of the late legend's compositions using a cajon, guitar and saxophone.
This creative showcase demonstrated how the maestro's compositions transcend historical documentation to remain active and evolving pieces interpreted anew by contemporary musicians.
"This performance is a direct manifestation of how the late maestro's timeless works continue to live, breathe and be reinterpreted by the younger generation.
“This is what we call the continuity of legacy," Tazul said.
Expressing deep gratitude to Nasir for entrusting UiTM with the precious collection, the faculty assured that the responsibility of safeguarding the works would be thoroughly upheld for educational and research advancement.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for closer ties with the late artiste's family, opening doors for future cooperative efforts in archiving, researching and preserving Malaysia's rich musical heritage.