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THE FATE of composer Ross Ariffin, who shocked the music fraternity when he was found living homeless and surviving as a destitute, has finally taken a turn for the better after the government decided to step in to help lift him from his plight.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that Ross, whose real name is Roslan Ariffin Jamil, was tracked down to Melaka. He has since been given a flat under the People's Housing Project (PPR).
Ross, 61, had coloured the country's entertainment industry with a series of popular songs.
He created lyrics and tunes sung by popular singers, including Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ning Baizura, Jacklyn Victor, Fauziah Latiff, and Liza Aziz.
His life began to change after he fell ill. He even had to eat leftover food on the table in order to survive.
He got involved in an accident on the road earlier this year, and was warded at the Melaka Hospital for a month and the Alor Gajah Hospital for eleven days.
Fahmi said that a PPR apartment was obtained with the help of Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
"While walking into the new PPR unit, Ross could not believe that he finally had his own house to live in after three years of being homeless,” Fahmi said in a Facebook post.
"I have also discussed with RTM so that Ross can collaborate in the creation of a new song with RTM to help him rise again."
Fahmi said that a meeting has also been arranged with music director and celebrated pianist Datuk Mokhzani Ismail to plan for the production of new songs that Ross could compose.
"Ross seems so eager to get back to work,” said Fahmi, as reported by Getaran, the Malay-language sister portal of The Vibes.
“When we met, we talked heart to heart. I was moved by all the bitter experiences and difficulties he went through.
“However, Ross still has strong determination and commitment to return to work because of his deep passion.
"I listened carefully to him and encouraged him not to give up and continue to work because Ross has a very unique talent, and is able to return to being a part of the big family of the national entertainment industry. I consider it to be part of my responsibility to help artistes in our country."
Earlier, Ross’s plight in having fallen into abject poverty had caught Fahmi's attention, causing the Unity Government spokesman to try to track down the once distinguished composer.
For the first time after three years of being homeless, Ross was given the opportunity to sit in front of a grand piano where his fingers proceeded to nimbly explore the keyboard.
“I felt moved to see such a legendary composer forced to give up on his craving to play a musical instrument,” Fahmi said.
"As long as I am acting as a minister and the Madani Government is still governing, trust me, we will do our best for the artistes," he said.
Fahmi added that Ross is looking for a new keyboard and some extra money to start life anew, and appealed for donations.
"Let's come together and give Ross an angpow so that he can be lightened of his burden, and he can once again lend a magical touch to the country's music industry,” he said. – The Vibes, February 11, 2024
