PETALING JAYA, Nov 8 — Legendary composer Datuk Ooi Eow Jin is regarded by his peers as among the most talented musicians in the country.

Those who knew the man described him as a man of discipline who was very passionate about music.

David Arumugam of The Alleycats said Ooi was among the best composers he had worked with at the start of his career.

“We worked with Ooi in 1977 for the song Persemadianku and he is a savant composer and an intelligent man who deeply loves his work.

“Ooi was also a highly disciplined man who did not believe in shortcuts when it came to work and always pushed the limits of the singers he work with, bringing out the best in them,’’ he said.

Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) music services division director Datuk Mokhzani Ismail regards Ooi among his idols in the music industry.

“I was delighted to hear he was finally recognised for his work when Penang awarded him with a Datukship in September.

“But he deserves more than that, as he has contributed extensively to the industry. He composed for many young singers back in the day, shooting them to stardom.

“Organising a charity concert for him is the least we could do to ease his burden. We also want him to know he is not forgotten by his peers,’’ Mokhzani said.

Salamiah Hassan, who was among the first to work with Ooi, said he paid a lot of attention to details.

“Ooi was a very patient man and he was very attentive. When I was unsure with the musical direction of a particular song, he would ensure I get the correct guidance.

“I’m glad to have had him as a mentor and I am proud to sing at his concert next month,’’ she said.

Ooi, who received his Datukship from the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas on September 10, will have his lifetime work celebrated next month during a charity concert jointly organised by RTM and Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan).

The concert will be held at 8.30pm on December 15 at the Auditorium Perdana, Angkasapuri and admission is free.

Among those who will perform are Salamiah, David, Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin, Tomok and Bob Yusuf.

Karyawan president Freddie Fernandez said they hope to raise more than RM50,000 for Ooi. 

“He has contributed much to the industry and this is our way of thanking him.

“We hope the public or corporate sponsors will come on board to support this cause,” he said.

Those who wish to contribute can send donations to Karyawan’s Public Bank account 3108024130.