(From left) RCAD organising chairman Angeline Ngoi, Cheah, DJ Dave and Rotarian KH Lim during the press conference to announce the award.
Rotary Club of Ara Damansara (RCAD) has bestowed the RCAD Award for Unity to Datuk DJ Dave for composing Setia Perpaduan, the National Unity Week theme song.
The award comes with a cash prize of RM10,000.
In a statement, DJ Dave expressed his gratitude for the award.
He also spoke on his belief that music and sports could unite communities, prevent hatred and promote a peaceful and prosperous nation.
“I hope this recognition will inspire more Malaysians to embrace the spirit of goodwill,” he said.
“I will channel the award money to various charitable causes, all in the name of national unity.”
RCAD president David Cheah Yik Qin said DJ Dave would be presented with the award during the club’s installation dinner in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, on Jan 20 next year.
Thirteen artistes sang in various languages and dialects in the song to symbolise unity within diversity.
DJ Dave worked with musician S. Atan on the arrangement and Dr Lim Swee Tin, who wrote the lyrics.
Setia Perpaduan also integrated musical instruments from various ethnic groups around the country.
DJ Dave expressed hope that Setia Perpaduan would receive more airtime and extensive promotion across the country to foster unity during these divided times.
Aside from DJ Dave, other singers who volunteered their time to sing and record the song were Datuk Awie, Marsha, Suki Low, Jaclyn Victor, Sabhi Saddi, As’ad Motawh, Melissa Francis, Bob Yusof, Sissy Iman, Iesya Toh, Hacharan Singh and Cikgu Asani.
