Talking well pays well

Red FM DJs Fiqrie (left) and Teoh say the job can be a lot tougher than many people think.

When Farit Ismeth Emir became the voice of Dunhill in the 1980s, little did the Teluk Intan native foresee the simple three-worded phrase “Gaya, mutu dan keunggulan” (style, quality and excellence) would take on an iconic relevance.

Originally created to lend an air of prestige to the tobacco house, it became a common phrase to compliment one’s fashion sense, physical appearance, and results for all manner of worthy endeavours. Even Farit himself was not spared, especially on days when he was looking particularly sharp.