KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran director Associate Professor Datuk Dr A Razak Mohaideen has paid tribute to the late actor Cico Harahap, describing his death at 48 as a big loss to the local entertainment industry.
Razak, 61, who often cast Cico — born Ezzaq Farrouq Harahap Jamaludin — in his early 2000s hits, praised the actor’s natural talent and strong work ethic on set.
“He was talented, the quality of his work was also good, and he was a very disciplined person. Every time we worked together, he was cooperative, dedicated, and had a high level of discipline,” Razak said when contacted today.
“He also knew how to respect others and always showed a professional attitude while working.”
The pair worked together on several popular films, including 2002’s Anak Mami The Movie and Mami Jarum, followed by Mistik and Jutawan Fakir in 2003.
Despite their close working relationship in the past, Razak said they had lost touch for over a decade and he could no longer remember the last film they made together.
He only found out about Cico’s failing health about four or five years ago.
“I heard he was ill, and after that I never saw him again. I only met his mother,” Razak said.
“After that, we were no longer in contact, and the last I heard, he was suffering from an illness. That was why I stopped calling him to act, as I was informed he was unwell.”
Cico, the son of legendary singer Uji Rashid, 73, died at Ampang Hospital at 11am today.
According to Malaysian Veteran Artistes Welfare Association (PKAVM) president Sandakiah Azez, the actor had been in hospital for a week before his death due to breathing difficulties.