KUALA LUMPUR, 27 May 2025 – Malaysia bids farewell to a broadcasting icon as newsreader great Yahya Longchick has passed away. Known for his deep, calm, and authoritative voice, Yahya was a trusted figure in Malaysian households from the 1960s through the 1990s, shaping generations with his clear and dignified delivery.
Yahya began his career after training in England and briefly working with the BBC. He joined Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) in 1966, where he read news in both Malay and English, and hosted programs that bridged communities. One standout was This Is Your Life, a radio show aimed at helping everyday Malaysians speak English – bringing taxi drivers and hawkers onto the airwaves to share their stories.
His steady voice guided the nation through key moments, from explaining President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1966 visit to Malaysia to covering the tense 1967 Thomas Cup final. He later served as master of ceremonies for royal events, including Queen Elizabeth II’s visits in 1989 and 1998, further solidifying his role in Malaysia’s public life.
Even in retirement, Yahya remained vocal about the importance of clarity, professionalism, and unity in news broadcasting. His legacy lives on as a voice that brought Malaysians together – calm in crisis, dignified in diplomacy, and deeply loved by the nation.
