#SHOWBIZ: Karyawan rallies urgent support for bedridden Gamma guitarist living in poverty

JITRA: Driven by deep concern for the plight of Kamarulkhizar Abdul Rahman, Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia (Karyawan) president Datuk Freddie Fernandez travelled from Kuala Lumpur to visit the former guitarist of the 1990s rock band Gamma.

Fernandez presented a cash donation to the 52-year-old musician, known affectionately as Iza, who has been living in destitution due to deteriorating health.

Fernandez assured that Karyawan, alongside music industry peers and local figures, would find long-term solutions to secure a more stable future for the guitarist.

“We need to look at how we can assist and provide what is necessary so his life is more secure right now,” Fernandez said during his visit to Iza’s home in Kampung Telok Malik, Mukim Naga in Kedah.

“I am grateful that many friends have stepped forward to help, including the village headman and other parties, including the local elected representative, who has given positive feedback. We will see what can be done to ease his life and ensure his future is better managed. Fellow artistes are also starting to pay attention to his situation.”

Fernandez added that Gamma’s lead vocalist is planning to lead a delegation of musicians and fellow rockers to visit Iza in late June to deliver further aid as a show of solidarity within the creative community.

He emphasised that artistes and musicians must support one another, especially when industry peers are tested by illness and financial hardship.

Iza, who has been living alone in a dilapidated inherited house for the past five years, revealed that he is no longer able to walk or perform heavy tasks.

His mobility has been severely limited by a slipped disc and injuries sustained from multiple past accidents. “I was also previously suspected of having a brain tumour and am still undergoing follow-up treatment at the hospital after frequently experiencing numbness in my head and other health issues,” he shared.

Iza currently relies on the goodwill of the public, surviving on a meagre rental income from a shop lot space on his property, with the tenant also kindly providing him with daily meals.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times