Rocky Din, a singer, will re-record his iconic song “Marilah Mengundi”

KUALA LUMPUR: Rocky Din, a singer, is overjoyed and grateful to have the opportunity to re-record Marilah Mengundi, his classic election theme song, and add a fresh perspective.

Rocky Din, real name Mohd Hashim Sharif, 75, stated he was willing to record the song again at any moment after Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil suggested it because the melody and lyrics still ring true in his mind and in Malaysians’ hearts.

“The song’s composer, Johari Salleh, gave me two weeks to practise, and on my first try, I finished recording the song in just ten minutes.

“It makes me happy to see the song become a phenomenon every election season, and I am honoured by this invitation (to re-record the song),” the well-known 1960s singer told reporters following her support under the National Film Development Corporation’s (Finas) Ziarah Seni Madani programme, which was recently presented by Fahmi in Butterworth, Penang.

Rocky Din, who suffered a stroke four years ago, claimed that despite using a wheelchair to get around, his health has improved.

“Alhamdulillah, my health is improving, enabling me to sing and entertain patrons at a restaurant here (Butterworth) every Friday to Sunday,” he stated.

Rocky Din’s song Marilah Mengundi (Let’s Go And Vote) has been a well-known pre-general election melody since its release in 1978 and is still popular until today.

In the meantime, Fahmi stated that in order to encourage people to vote during election seasons, such as the Sungai Bakap state by-election on July 6, the Ministry of Communications would ask RTM to invite Rocky Din to re-record the song.

It was his goal that the new version of the song would appeal to younger voters and members of the new generation, encouraging them to participate in the political process and fulfil their civic obligation.