A song, a dance and a mock showdown. This FindingOut compilation brings together three lighter moments from Anwar Ibrahim’s public life, with a little background on the music and the people behind them.
The clips come from different events and different years, offering a glimpse of the humour and cultural connections that can surface between the speeches and political headlines.
3. A Bollywood moment in New Delhi
Editorial illustration inspired by the featured moment.
At a BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi in September 2026, Anwar sang “Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat”. Its title means roughly “Are you a dream, or are you real?”
The romantic song comes from Teen Devian (1965). Kishore Kumar sang the original recording, with music by S. D. Burman and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Here, a familiar film melody becomes a shared cultural moment during an official visit.
Editorial illustration inspired by the featured moment.
The next clip takes us to Desa Mentari during the Seri Setia by-election campaign in September 2018. Anwar joins a performer impersonating M. G. Ramachandran, better known as MGR, the celebrated Tamil cinema star.
The song is “Naan Aanaiyittal”, roughly “If I give the order”, from Enga Veettu Pillai (1965). T. M. Soundararajan provided the original singing voice, Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy composed the music, and Vaali wrote the lyrics. Anwar joins the performer’s MGR-inspired moves as the audience responds.
Editorial illustration inspired by the featured moment.
The countdown ends at a press conference in Putrajaya on 7 October 2019. After reporters questioned Dr Mahathir Mohamad and then turned to Anwar, Mahathir jokingly suggested that the media wanted the two men to fight.
He raised his fists and made playful mock punches, prompting laughter. There was no boxing contest: the humour came from turning a political question into a brief comic exchange.
From a Hindi film classic to Tamil cinema nostalgia and political humour, these clips offer three different ways into Malaysia’s public life. Watch the compilation and choose your favourite.
Watch in your preferred language
Enjoy the same compilation with Malay, Mandarin or Tamil narration.
This compilation combines events from different years. The graphic cards are AI-assisted editorial illustrations, not documentary photographs; the “boxing” exchange was a joke. Original footage is credited to Anwar Ibrahim / Hindustan Times, KiniTV and Free Malaysia Today. Original songs and recordings belong to their respective rights holders.
Three Malaysian leaders. Three songs. Three very different styles!
Najib Razak, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim take the microphone in three memorable musical moments. Enjoy “The Young Ones”, “My Way” and “Sampaikan Salam Cintaku”, with Anwar joined by Alleycats legend David Arumugam.
This light-hearted FindingOut Malaysia compilation brings together performances from different years and events. “Three Prime Ministerial Tenors” is a playful title, rather than a technical classification of their voices. The three leaders were not performing together in a joint concert.
Track 1 — Najib Razak: Young at Heart
“The Young Ones” · Putrajaya · 10 November 2016
First up is Najib, the youngest of our three singers. “The Young Ones” seems a fitting choice: a microphone, a familiar tune and a little musical diplomacy.
The song’s meaning and background: The title points to youth, while the song celebrates love and making the most of the present. Associated with Cliff Richard and The Shadows, it is the title song from the film The Young Ones and a familiar part of their early-1960s repertoire. It was written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, as listed in the songwriting credits. The soundtrack also appears in Cliff Richard’s official discography.
The moment in the video: Najib sings at a dinner for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya on 10 November 2016. The footage is credited to RTVM / Presidential Communications, Philippines, and was published by Rappler as “Duterte, Najib bond over singing at dinner”. A well-known pop tune gives this official occasion a relaxed musical interlude.
“My Way” · Malam SAHOCA, Kuala Lumpur · September 2015
Next, Dr Mahathir. His choice of song needs no introduction. Whatever you think of his politics, he certainly did things his way. Sing it, Tun!
The song’s meaning and history: “My Way” is a retrospective: a singer looks back on life, its choices and its regrets, with a sense of independence. Paul Anka wrote the English lyrics for Frank Sinatra, whose recording was released in 1969. The melody comes from the French song “Comme d’habitude” — “As Usual” — credited to Jacques Revaux, Claude François and Gilles Thibaut. Anka’s English words tell a different story from the French original. Anka’s own account explains how he wrote with Sinatra’s voice and outlook in mind.
The moment in the video: Mahathir performs at Malam SAHOCA in Kuala Lumpur in September 2015. Astro Awani’s contemporary report identifies his choice of “My Way”, notes Siti Nurhaliza’s participation and records that the gathering also celebrated his 90th birthday. SAHOCA is the alumni association of Sultan Abdul Hamid College in Alor Setar. The report links the performance recording used as the source.
“Sampaikan Salam Cintaku” · Shah Alam · January 2019
Finally, Anwar brings a little romance to the microphone. “Sampaikan Salam Cintaku” means “Send my love”, and he is joined by the legendary singer from Alleycats. Quite a musical duo!
The song’s meaning and background: The Malay title can also be rendered more literally as “Convey my loving regards.” It carries an affectionate message to someone missed. The Alleycats recording dates to 1986; the recording credits name Hamdan Atan (A. Ali) as composer, Juwie as lyricist and M. Nasir as arranger. David and Loganathan Arumugam are credited as vocalists on that recording.
The moment in the video: At a PKR gala dinner in Shah Alam in January 2019, David Arumugam invited Anwar to join him in a duet. mStar’s report describes the audience’s applause and notes that Dasya Logan, daughter of the late Loganathan Arumugam, also accompanied the performance. This was before Anwar became prime minister. Footage is credited to The Star / Star TV.
There are four versions of this compilation. The English video is at the top of the page; the Malay, Tamil and Mandarin versions are below. Each uses narration and presentation in the selected language, while the singing excerpts retain their original recorded sound.
Three prime ministers. Three songs. Three different styles. Which performance made you smile the most? Tell us in the comments, like the video, and subscribe to FindingOut Malaysia for more stories with a different tune. Keep the comments friendly — the vote here is about singing!
Sources & Editorial Note
The linked reports, footage and music credits provide the event context and song background. The dates refer to the individual performances; this compilation brings together separate occasions. The short explanations above describe the songs’ themes without reproducing their lyrics.
The narration and illustrated cards were created with AI assistance. The singing excerpts retain the recorded performances; the illustrations are creative artwork, not documentary photographs. No endorsement by the people, artists, broadcasters or organisations shown is implied.
Production, editorial presentation and compilation: FindingOut Malaysia. Rights in third-party footage, songs, performances and recordings remain with their respective owners. The Creative Commons licence above applies to the background track only. Source credits identify the material used and do not imply ownership or permission.
In Prime Minister Anwar’s Mixtape, FindingOut Malaysia brings together three musical moments: Anwar Ibrahim sharing a song with David Arumugam, joining an MGR impersonator’s dance, and singing with piano accompaniment in New Delhi.
Each selection carries its own history, from Malaysian pop to Tamil cinema and classic Hindi film music. Below, we explore what the song titles mean, where the music comes from, and the setting of each performance.
The excerpts come from separate events in different years, including moments before Anwar became Prime Minister. They have been brought together as a musical compilation.
Track 1 — A Malay Duet
“Sampaikan Salam Cintaku” · Shah Alam · January 2019
The meaning: The Malay title can be rendered naturally in English as “Send my love”, or more literally, “Convey my loving regards.” It is an affectionate message to someone missed, giving the song its warm, wistful character.
The song’s background: “Sampaikan Salam Cintaku” was composed by A. Ali (Hamdan Atan), with lyrics by Juwie. It belongs to the Alleycats catalogue and the band’s 1986 Sampaikan Salam album. That places it in the Malaysian pop music of the 1980s, decades before this duet. The album’s recording credits list David and Loganathan Arumugam as vocalists. For listeners who grew up with Alleycats, the melody can bring a strong sense of familiarity and nostalgia.
The moment in the mixtape: David Arumugam invited Anwar to join him at a PKR gala in Shah Alam in January 2019. mStar’s contemporary report describes the duet and the audience’s applause. The appeal here is the shared performance: a familiar singer, a familiar song, and a guest joining in. Footage is credited to The Star / StarTV.
“Naan Aanaiyittal” · Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya · 2018
The meaning: “Naan Aanaiyittal” means approximately “If I give the order.” Its message is assertive: using authority to challenge wrongdoing and protect ordinary people from hardship. That gives it a very different mood from the gentle longing of the Malay song.
The song’s background: The song comes from the 1965 Tamil film Enga Veettu Pillai, starring M. G. Ramachandran, widely known as MGR. The recorded voice is T. M. Soundararajan, with lyrics by Vaali and music by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, as credited by Saregama. MGR performed the song on screen; Soundararajan was the playback singer.
The song became closely associated with MGR’s screen image as a defender of the poor. A retrospective on Vaali recalls its place in the film and its promise of relief from suffering. This background helps explain the commanding poses and energetic gestures that an MGR impersonator brings to the stage.
The moment in the mixtape: In 2018, Anwar joined an MGR impersonator at an Indian cultural night in Desa Mentari. KiniTV’s report describes a cheering, clapping crowd. Anwar is dancing here, and the performer beside him is an impersonator of the late star.
“Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” · New Delhi · September 2026
The meaning: The title asks, approximately, “Are you a dream, or are you real?” It expresses romantic wonder: the feeling that someone is so captivating that their presence seems almost dreamlike. The mood is playful and admiring.
The song’s history: This is a Kishore Kumar song from the 1965 Hindi film Teen Devian, starring Dev Anand. Its music was composed by S. D. Burman, with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The film’s archived song booklet records those creative credits, while the soundtrack listing identifies Kishore Kumar’s recording.
The original belongs to the era when playback singers supplied the voices for stars’ on-screen musical performances. Here, Kishore Kumar’s voice is associated with Dev Anand’s screen presence. Knowing that distinction helps place the song within Hindi cinema’s musical tradition. More than sixty years after the film, it is still being revisited in performances such as this one.
The moment in the mixtape: Anwar sings the classic with piano accompaniment during his New Delhi visit in September 2026. Bernama reported that the impromptu rendition, shared on social media during the BRICS summit visit, drew appreciative reactions in India. It brings the compilation to a quieter close after the Tamil dance. The video credits Anwar’s original social-media material and The Star’s video coverage.
The three versions below present the same musical moments in Malay, Tamil and Mandarin. The English version is at the top of this page. Each has narration and presentation in the selected language, while the performances retain their original songs and sound.
A message of love, a bold promise and a moment of romantic wonder: the three songs take us through very different musical moods. Which performance is your favourite? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or suggest another musical moment for a future FindingOut compilation.
Sources & Editorial Note
The linked reports and music catalogues provide the event context and song background. Title meanings above are brief English explanations, rather than full translations of the lyrics. Dates refer separately to the original songs and to Anwar’s performances.
The illustrated cards and narration in the videos were created with AI assistance. The illustrations are creative artwork, not documentary photographs. The performance excerpts retain their recorded sound. English subtitles in the English version cover narration and brief performance labels, rather than translating the complete song lyrics.
Third-party footage, songs and recordings remain subject to their respective rights holders’ rights. FindingOut Malaysia’s contribution is the editorial selection, contextual presentation, narration and graphic design. This independent presentation is for musical interest, commentary and entertainment; no affiliation with or endorsement by the people, organisations or rights holders featured is implied.
Parliament is serious business — but not every moment goes according to plan.
Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat has seen its share of heated debates, political arguments and serious policy discussions. Every now and then, however, something completely unexpected happens and the chamber becomes unintentionally funny.
In Part 1 of Malaysia’s Funniest Parliament Moments, FindingOut Malaysia looks back at three lighter moments: a pop-culture misunderstanding involving Taylor Swift, a perfectly timed comeback from the Education Minister, and a piece of quiet visual comedy unfolding behind the Opposition Leader.
Watch the video below, or scroll down for the story behind each moment.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil was speaking about Taylor Swift and her fans when an otherwise ordinary pop-culture reference suddenly caused confusion in the chamber.
Taylor Swift’s fans are commonly known as “Swifties.” But when Fahmi used the term, Deputy Speaker Ramli Mohd Nor appeared to hear something quite different — turning “Swifties” into something that sounded remarkably like “striptease.”
Fahmi quickly clarified what he meant, repeating the reference to Taylor Swift, while the misunderstanding drew amusement from those in the chamber.
It was a very short exchange, but that was precisely what made it funny: a perfectly innocent word, a momentary misunderstanding, and Parliament briefly trying to keep a straight face.
Moment 2 — A Perfectly Timed Comeback
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek was winding up her ministry’s debate when she was asked to move a little closer to the microphone.
What should have been a routine technical adjustment quickly turned into a light-hearted exchange involving Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul.
Fadhlina responded with a line that immediately brought laughter to the chamber:
“Tan Sri Speaker, my husband is watching this live.”
Sometimes parliamentary humour does not need a long argument or an elaborate joke. A quick response delivered at exactly the right moment is enough.
Moment 3 — The Great Chair Squeeze
9 November 2020 · Dewan Rakyat
In 2020, Anwar Ibrahim was Malaysia’s Opposition Leader, while Mohamad Sabu — better known as Mat Sabu — was Amanah president.
As Anwar continued delivering his speech, Mat Sabu attempted to make his way back to his seat behind him. What should have been a straightforward walk past became a small exercise in parliamentary manoeuvring.
The chair had to move. Mat Sabu had to squeeze through the narrow space. Then everything had to be carefully put back into place — all while Anwar continued speaking.
It is classic visual comedy precisely because nobody stops to make a joke about it.
Getting through a debate is one thing. Getting back to your seat is another.
Continue with Part 2
These are only three of the lighter moments that have taken place in Malaysia’s Parliament.
Some are funny because of what was said. Others are funny because of timing, misunderstanding, or simply what happened in the background while serious business continued around them.
The parliamentary moments featured on this page are based on publicly available recordings and records of Dewan Rakyat proceedings.
Key sources: Moment 1: Parliament of Malaysia — Dewan Rakyat proceedings and Hansard, 13 March 2024. Moment 2: Berita RTM — Parliament afternoon sitting, 20 August 2025; additional close-up footage from The Star. Moment 3: Dewan Rakyat sitting, 9 November 2020; published video reference from World of Buzz.
Source material includes Parliament of Malaysia recordings and Hansard, Berita RTM, The Star, and published footage relating to the respective incidents.
Short excerpts are presented for commentary, review, historical context and public-interest discussion. Copyright in the original third-party footage remains with the respective owners and broadcasters.
The description of these incidents as “funniest” is a subjective editorial opinion and is intended as light-hearted commentary. FindingOut Malaysia does not intend to allege misconduct, illegality or wrongdoing by any person appearing in the material.
Some promotional graphic cards contain AI-generated or digitally created illustrative imagery and should not be interpreted as documentary photographs of the incidents.
Watch Part 1 in other languages
The same three Parliament moments are now available in Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. Choose your preferred version below.
