THE PASSING OF A GREAT ARTIST

REMEMBERED.....Allahyarham Datuk Yaman Ahmad Mus.

By : M. IZHAM B. HASHIM

DATUK YAMAN Ahmad Mus, Director of Sabah Art Gallery, passed away on Friday morning at his home in Putatan. He was 74. Best known for his contribution to Sabah's official graphics, including the state flag and state crest he will be long remembered as one of Sabah's best artists.

Haji Madiah Ahmad Mus, remembers his brother Yaman as a sincere and generous man who delighted in sharing his knowledge and talent with others.

“He was a very dedicated artist who sacrificed much of his life in his field of expertise."

His daughter, Rokiah Yaman, 44 came back from England to be with family members by his side. Unfortunately, his son Rashid was unable to make it in time for the funeral service.

The Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Datuk Yahya Hussein and State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman were among those who paid their respect to Yaman at the funeral, as did many from all walks of life who came to offer prayers at his burial. His body was taken to a nearby mosque where a funeral service was held.

After Friday prayers, Datuk Yaman Ahmad Mus was laid to rest at a Muslim cemetery at Putatan.

A humble unassuming man, Yaman was regarded as a mentor and friend by many artists as well as his peers in Sabah's art circle.

One local artist, Suzani Suhaimi, 48 said he was an inspiration to many generations of artists, and was a major driving force in the development of art in Sabah.

PRAYERS....Offering prayers and paying last respects to Allahyarham Datuk Yaman Ahmad Mus.

Datuk Yaman was a recipient of a number of state awards which included the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu ADK (1986); Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK) (1988); and the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu PGDK in 1996 in recognition of his distinguished contributions to Sabah's culture and arts.

He helped form the Sabah Literary Association in 1954, and was the official founder of the first Sabah Art Society in 1980. Datuk Yaman was also the official designer of the modern Sabah flag, state crest and official uniforms of state government ministries.

REST .....Allahyarham Datuk Yaman Ahmad Mus finally laid to rest in a Muslim Cemetery at Putatan.

His flag design was officially adopted by the Sabah Government on 16 September 1988. The modern Sabah flag featured a silhouette of Mount Kinabalu against a zircon-blue background, emblazoned with white, blue and red stripes as a symbol of peace, unity, justice, courage and determination.

Datuk Yaman also designed the mayor's robe which was donned by first mayor of Kota Kinabalu, Abdul Ghani Rashid when Kota Kinabalu was historically granted city status on Feb 2, 2000. In addition, the mayor’s medallion and entire range of official KK City Hall regalia including emblem and logos were all the creation of Datuk Yaman.

Born on 29th September 1938 at Putatan Yaman began his early education in 1945 in Buit Primary School, Putatan and later at the Sacred Heart Primary School, Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) before finishing secondary school education at All Saints Secondary School, Likas.

He obtained a student sponsorship to enable him to study in England where he completed Graphic Design studies at Hornsey College of Art (UK) and later resumed his art education at the London University (A.T.C London) until 1969. He then returned to Sabah in 1970 and was appointed art lecturer and head of department at Sabah Teachers Training College and led the Sabah Art Society as president.

In 1974, he worked as a freelance graphic designer for 6 years before returning to Sabah in 1980 and thereafter held many important positions.

Sabah Art Gallery curator, Jennifer Linggi said Yaman was deeply committed to his duties and insisted on coming to work despite his failing health.

She said the staff at the Sabah art gallery had wanted to take him to tour the new Sabah Art gallery but were unable to do so because of his poor health.

“ We are planning to organize an exhibition next month in honour of Datuk Yaman, our late director, to display his artworks," she said.

Datuk Yaman leaves behind two children; son Rashid and daughter Rokiah both living in England with their mother, his former wife, Jasmin Fujiko Bennette. (Insight Sabah)