KUCHING: The mother of award-winning singer Hafiz Suip, Halizawati Salleh, passed away at a hospital here last night (Nov 10) due to complications from long-term diabetes. She was 62.
It is understood that the late died at 9.40 pm, after several days of hospitalisation. She had been battling chronic diabetes for years and previously underwent surgery to amputate her left leg below the knee.
Hafiz, whose full name is Mohamad Hafiz Mohamad Suip, shared the heartbreaking news through a post on his personal Facebook account, writing briefly, “Innalillahiwainailaihirojiun… Hilangnya doa seorang ibu” (Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return… The loss of a mother’s prayer).
The post drew an outpouring of condolences and prayers from fans, fellow artistes, and friends, many expressing sympathy and wishing strength for Hafiz and his family during this difficult time.
Just over a week earlier, the late Halizawati made a touching appearance at Hafiz’s solo concert, ‘Di Sebalik Aku: Hafiz Suip’, at Megastar Arena, Bukit Bintang.
She surprised the audience when she appeared on stage as her son performed ‘Pelangi Petang’, a classic by the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad.
In a heartfelt moment, Hafiz was seen kneeling before his mother, kissing her hand, and saying, “Ma, even though you don’t have a leg, I’m gonna be your leg, Ma. InsyaAllah.”
The singer, born on Feb 27, 1990, rose to fame after winning the seventh season of Akademi Fantasia in 2009, securing 46 per cent of more than 4.2 million votes.
He later released his debut album, ‘Masih Jelas’, and went on to build a successful music career, earning multiple awards and recognition in the Malaysian music industry.
Media reports previously noted that Hafiz had moved back to Kuching to care for both his parents.
