ALFRED HO RETIRING
Dear friends and fans of Alfred Ho,
It is with deep regret that I wish to announce that blind veteran singer/guitarist Mr Alfred Ho has decided to call it a day and retire from the music scene altogether due to health reasons. This extraordinary singer who has just turned 70 has been performing for close to 4 decades and his humble beginnings go back to the early 70's when he participated in RTM’s first talent contest known as Bakat Tv and although an amateur competing with other top professionals of that era he managed to make it to the semifinals where he sang his own compositions.
From 1974 till 1983, he worked as a telephone operator with the Penang City Council whilst performing at pubs, wedding engagements and other public functions just to make ends meet.
Faced with health problems and having to juggle 2 jobs at one go, Alfred decided to take the plunge by leaving his daytime job to go full time by giving musical performances which he felt was his true calling and what he enjoyed doing most which was to bring joy to his audiences.
Incidentally, Alfred’s main forte is to croon the hits of the 50's right through to the 70's. This Malaysian born singer can perform for 3 to 4 hours without a sip of water and his fans are very impressed with this feat.
Although Alfred has not achieved his goal of being an international singer, I wish to list out some of his small achievements.
1.He has self financed 6 cd albums on his own which he sells during his performances. Please be informed that his CD albums are still available at RM30 per copy.
2. He has played for Malaysian dignitaries such as a former sabah governor, Tunku Imran of Negeri Sembilan Royalty, Tun Mahathir Muhammad , Anwar Ibrahim and performed at dinner functions held by expat bosses of reputable companies such as Philips, Standard Chartered Bank, Nestle and Rothmans Malaysia to name just a few.
3. He is the 1st blind entertainer to have participated at the Asia’s Got Talent Contest (2017) where he was given the thumbs up to join the semifinals by all 3 judges but sadly, alas it did not materialize for reasons best known only to the organisers of the contest.
Fortunately, failures have not dampened the spirits of this very talented singer although success seems to have eluded him.
Finally, I wish to state that fans of Alfred Ho are impressed with his versatility as he can cover the songs of elvis presley, cliff richard, johnny tillotson, ricky nelson, pat boone, russ hamilton, slim whitman, bobby winton, bobby vee, hank williams and many more with gusto. He also covers songs by groups such as the everly brothers, bee gees, beatles and the cascades to name but a few. It would be no idle boast to say that his fans are also mesmerised by his music, so much so, that they can’t resist going out to the dance floor to show off their dancing skills.
Alfred is also adapt at singing in several chinese dialects such as in mandarin, cantonese and hokkien. In addition, he has also the added advantage of singing in several foreign languages including spanish and japanese.
For your information, do not despair as Alfred Ho has uploaded more than 400 video clips on YouTube and his channel address is alfredho1111.
Should you visit his channel you can be assured of great entertainment by him for hours on end and perhaps even join in by singing along to the unforgettable favourites from yesteryears. You are also welcomed to visit his blog at alfredhomusic.blogspot.com
We are certainly going to miss this fabulous entertainer who has brought joy and pleasure to many of his fans throughout the decades. Let us all wish him a great life during his twilight years and remember him constantly in our prayers.
Letter To Wan Azizah
Dear YB Dr Wan Azizah
I am a blind individual and a musician by profession. As there are not much job
opportunities I have resorted to busking on a weekly basis which does not bring
in sufficient income.
My purpose in writing is to request for your intervention on a matter which is of
grave concern to me as a blind individual.
You may be aware that the welfare department has different aid schemes for
different categories of individuals.
I wish here to highlight 2 main categories. The first category is for senior citizens
who do not have any employment at all and these individuals recieve an
allowance of RM200 per month.
The second category is for individuals who have some employment and these
individuals are accorded an allowance of RM400 on a monthly basis.
About 2 years ago, I applied for the second category of welfare assistance but
have instead been given the senior citizens allowance of RM200. My application
for the second category allowance has somehow been rejected despite the fact
that I have furnished proof that I am self employed.
As such, I would appreciate it if you could kindly look into this matter on my
behalf as all my documents of self employment has been provided to the
authorities.
Since I have made no headway I have decided to write to you instead.
Looking forward to recieving your kind assistance and attention to the matter
at hand. A reply from you would be greatly appreciated by email.
Email
alfredho.music@gmail.com
my blog address is//
http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.com
my youtube channel is//
alfredho1111
yours faithfully,
alfred ho
I am a blind individual and a musician by profession. As there are not much job
opportunities I have resorted to busking on a weekly basis which does not bring
in sufficient income.
My purpose in writing is to request for your intervention on a matter which is of
grave concern to me as a blind individual.
You may be aware that the welfare department has different aid schemes for
different categories of individuals.
I wish here to highlight 2 main categories. The first category is for senior citizens
who do not have any employment at all and these individuals recieve an
allowance of RM200 per month.
The second category is for individuals who have some employment and these
individuals are accorded an allowance of RM400 on a monthly basis.
About 2 years ago, I applied for the second category of welfare assistance but
have instead been given the senior citizens allowance of RM200. My application
for the second category allowance has somehow been rejected despite the fact
that I have furnished proof that I am self employed.
As such, I would appreciate it if you could kindly look into this matter on my
behalf as all my documents of self employment has been provided to the
authorities.
Since I have made no headway I have decided to write to you instead.
Looking forward to recieving your kind assistance and attention to the matter
at hand. A reply from you would be greatly appreciated by email.
alfredho.music@gmail.com
my blog address is//
http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.com
my youtube channel is//
alfredho1111
yours faithfully,
alfred ho
Letter To Hannah Yeoh
Dear YB Hannah Yeoh.
I am a blind individual and a musician by profession. As there are not much job
opportunities I have resorted to busking on a weekly basis which does not bring
in sufficient income.
My purpose in writing is to request for your intervention on a matter which is of
grave concern to me as a blind individual.
You may be aware that the welfare department has different aid schemes for
different categories of individuals.
I wish here to highlight 2 main categories. The first category is for senior citizens
who do not have any employment at all and these individuals recieve an
allowance of RM200 per month.
The second category is for individuals who have some employment and these
individuals are accorded an allowance of RM400 on a monthly basis.
About 2 years ago, I applied for the second category of welfare assistance but
have instead been given the senior citizens allowance of RM200. My application
for the second category allowance has somehow been rejected despite the fact
that I have furnished proof that I am self employed.
As such, I would appreciate it if you could kindly look into this matter on my
behalf as all my documents of self employment has been provided to the
authorities.
For your info, I have spoken to your personal assistant namely, Rebecca Ho with
regards to this pressing matter but since I have made no headway I have decided
to write to you instead.
Looking forward to receiving your kind assistance and attention to the matter
at hand. A reply from you would be greatly appreciated by email
Email
alfredho.music@gmail.com
my blog address is//
http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.com
my youtube channel is//
alfredho1111
yours faithfully,
alfred ho
I am a blind individual and a musician by profession. As there are not much job
opportunities I have resorted to busking on a weekly basis which does not bring
in sufficient income.
My purpose in writing is to request for your intervention on a matter which is of
grave concern to me as a blind individual.
You may be aware that the welfare department has different aid schemes for
different categories of individuals.
I wish here to highlight 2 main categories. The first category is for senior citizens
who do not have any employment at all and these individuals recieve an
allowance of RM200 per month.
The second category is for individuals who have some employment and these
individuals are accorded an allowance of RM400 on a monthly basis.
About 2 years ago, I applied for the second category of welfare assistance but
have instead been given the senior citizens allowance of RM200. My application
for the second category allowance has somehow been rejected despite the fact
that I have furnished proof that I am self employed.
As such, I would appreciate it if you could kindly look into this matter on my
behalf as all my documents of self employment has been provided to the
authorities.
For your info, I have spoken to your personal assistant namely, Rebecca Ho with
regards to this pressing matter but since I have made no headway I have decided
to write to you instead.
Looking forward to receiving your kind assistance and attention to the matter
at hand. A reply from you would be greatly appreciated by email
alfredho.music@gmail.com
my blog address is//
http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.com
my youtube channel is//
alfredho1111
yours faithfully,
alfred ho
Letter To Pn Kim
Dear Pn Kim,
Assistant to YB Kula
My name is Rufina and my husband is a blind individual going by the name of Alfred Ho.
If it’s possible my husband would like to make an appointment to see YB Kulasegaran with regards to Socso benefits. He had applied to get Socso but was unsuccessful. He is 69 yrs old and on treatment for various sickness. So if he can receive some help from Socso it be helpful. He can be contacted at 0379848560. He will call u later around 11am. Thank you
I hope to hear from you soon.
LETTER TO JAYARAMAN
Letter to Jaya Raman
Pegawai untuk OKU and Warga Emas
URGENT
I/c 490709085799
I am a blind individual and a musician by profession. As there are not much job opportunities I have resorted to busking on a weekly basis which does not bring in sufficient income.
My purpose in writing is to request for your intervention on a matter which is of grave concern to me as a blind individual.
You may be aware that the welfare department has different aid schemes for different categories of individuals.
I wish here to highlight 2 main categories. The first category is for senior citizens who do not have any employment at all and these individuals recieve an allowance of RM200 per month.
The second category is for individuals who have some employment and these individuals are accorded an allowance of RM400 on a monthly basis.
About 2 years ago, I applied for the second category of welfare assistance but have instead been given the senior citizens allowance of RM200. My application for the second category allowance has somehow been rejected despite the fact that I have furnished proof that I am self employed.
As such, I would appreciate it if you could kindly look into this matter on my behalf as all my documents of self employment has been provided to the authorities.
En Rustam refuses to believe that I am busking even with enclosing a letter from the President of they Buskers Club. Request that if he doesn’t believe to drop by KLCC LRT Station every Thursday says not possible because finish work. Try to make appointment to see him also say cannot. If all ur officers are uncompromisinglike him, v are all at the losing end.
Tried calling Pn Safinaton no reply.
Since I have made no headway I have decided to write to you instead. Can v pls make an appointment to c u.
Looking forward to recieving your kind assistance and attention to the matter at hand. A reply from you would be greatly appreciated by either phone or email.
my phone numbers are as follows//
home tel. 0379848560
mobile tel. 0123461232
Email
my youtube channel is//
alfredho1111
yours faithfully,
alfred ho
LETTER TO FMT
Letter To FMT
anwar's impatience could be his downfall. personally, I gave my support to the present government because it
is the lesser of 2 evils. although I voted for Teresa kok it was done reluctantly as during the 2008 elections I
helped both tony pua and Teresa to raise funds for that purpose as I was a member of the dap then. however,
when I expressed interest in becoming a politician Teresa kok was against it and must have influenced the top
brass to ignore me altogether. just before the last general elections, I wrote to dap's liew chin tong offering my
assistance to help him in his campaign but he rejected my offer immediately. on another note, it seems that
najib's mantra// cash is king, holds true after all. I question the logic of this government of continuing the brim
and what is most disgusting giving bonuses to civil servants when the country is in dire straits. as I have said
before, setting up the tabong harapan is a stupid idea. I for one will never contribute to such a fund as it is a
mockery of the intelligence of all right thinking Malaysians. what the government could have done is to
prosecute all former officials of the former regime who have been involved in corruption and I am quite certain
that the government will get back a substantial amount of money to fill up the coffers again. come to think of
it, why has both najib and rosma not been arrested yet despite the fact that there is so much of evidence
against them. is the government waiting for the couple to abscond so that their files can be closed? as I have
related before I recently wrote to fami fadsil and maria chin who ignored me except for fami writing a short
note to try to silence me. sad to say, I have come to the conclusion that most politicians are self serving and
opportunists. a very good example is maria chin who was once the director of berseh. I question as to why she
left the organization to join politics and if my memory serves me correct demanded to be given a
parliamentary seat. all this smacks of power and greed. I know that I will get quite a lot of flack from readers
for my comments but I feel that in a democratic country each and everyone is entitled to their opinion. in the
past I have even been labeled as a moron by a reader but I will still be steadfast with my comments. both musa
and jamal have absconded. perhaps the next couple to escape justice will be the infamous couple najib and
rosma, and we have the home ministry to thank for their inaction. good luck to the authorities for moving at
snail's pace to apprehend them in order that justice is served. finally, may I recommend readers to listen to the
latest speech given by Mahathir's secretary namely, Matthias chang as he is the voice of reason. both him and
his client were imprisoned by the former regime under sosma for trying to expose the 1mdb scandal. Matthias
YouTube channel is// future fast forward. so far he has uploaded more than 50 speeches but the last one is most
interesting and I fully subscribe to his views with regards to the new administration.
Alfred Ho
Men's Health (Malaysia) 11th Sept 2017
11th September 2017
By Eugene Pua
In Tune With The Rhythm
Alfred Ho has been performing music for more than three decades – yet he’s still chasing success. Find out what keeps this 68-year-old singer and guitarist going strong
Men's Health (Malaysia)1 Sep 2017
IF YOU ASK HIM, ALFRED HO WILL tell you that he’s been a musician since 1984. But it won’t take you much longer after that to realise music has been an integral part of his life since he was a boy.
Blind since he was three years old due to measles, Ho became enamoured with the guitar when he heard his schoolmate at the St. Nicholas School for the Blind in Penang playing it. Slowly but surely, he taught himself to play the instrument, and soon started singing for fun – especially as those around him encouraged and complimented him. But his hobby became something more serious in 1971 when he joined Bakat TV, a talent contest on RTM. “I thought it was just an entertainment programme, so I had nothing to lose,” Ho recalls. “But I went right up to the semifinals, which was an achievement to me because I was an amateur.”
Although Ho found steady work as a telephone operator for the Penang city council, he never quit music, as he moonlighted as a singer in bars and pubs. But he found the double schedules exhausting, so, in 1984, he asked his employers to hire another blind person (which they did) so that he could pursue music full-time. Five English albums, one Chinese album and three decades later, Ho has no regrets about taking the plunge. “Of course, I was scared and apprehensive – but nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Ho says. “I knew I could sing, so I took the challenge and I came down to KL and started my adventure here.
“Having all these challenges makes you work harder,” he continues. “And if you work harder, hopefully, you might be successful. But so far, success has eluded me.”
Considering all that he’s achieved in the three decades that he’s been a professional musician, it’s surprising that Ho considers himself neither successful nor popular. But, to him, the more he plays – which is often, as he performs regularly at the AK Busk Stop in Avenue K Shopping Mall – the more it drives him on to realise his ambitions. “As long as there’s breath in my body, I’ll keep going,” Ho states confidently. “I’ll only give
up when my health fails me. But as long as I can be up and about, I’ll do what I can to achieve success and I’ll fight to get to where I want to be – that is, to get wider recognition and to play abroad.”
At an age when other men are happily retired and horsing around with their grandkids, Ho shows no signs of slowing down, let alone hanging up his guitar. In fact, he’s searching for a reliable, capable agent who can help him take his music to the next level. But don’t you worry: he won’t mind if fellow Malaysians – like you – take the leap of faith like he did to follow their dreams. “You must believe in yourself. If you believe that it will be good for you,
why not go for it? More so if people tell you that you’re good. You just have to try,” Ho says. “But if you don’t succeed, you can’t blame anybody. Life’s like that – some days you’re lucky, some days you’re not. When I got into music, the climb was very slow – but I never gave up.”
WISDOM: ALFRED HO
Take note of Alfred Ho’s sage advice, and you too could be on top for decades
Men's Health (Malaysia)1 Sep 2017alfredhomusic.blogspot.com
The 68-year-old blind singer and guitarist on ambition, achievements and adventures.
CULTIVATE THE SYNERGY OF TALENT AND HARD WORK
“You must have the talent and, of course, you must work at it. I also believe in God’s guidance: if God has given you the talent, then you should try to exploit it to the full. But mainly, you must be interested in it. For me, I put my heart and soul into singing.” NO MATTER WHAT, YOU HAVE TO PRACTISE“ If I don’t sing for a month or two, I’ll feel a bit rusty so you must keep at it. I have fewer jobs so I’ve been busking. I don’t feel ashamed to, because it’s like practice for me, and people from all walks of life can hear me.” KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP" Be active whatever you do. A lot of people are okay, but once they retire, they go downhill. So, the main thing is to keep the brain healthy, then the body healthy. For me, it’s music: I learn new songs periodically, and all of the music is in my head. It’s how I keep my brain and body active.”

Alfred Ho ~ The Malaysian Blind Musician Extraordinaire.. 0
By Simon Homefinder on April 8, 2016
One Man’s Personal Quest And Vision Towards Attaining Musical Enlightenment For some people, being a street musician is nothing more than a performer on the busy sidewalks begging for alms. For others, it is merely showing off one’s skills to the public in the hope of breaking into the big-time showbiz industry. But for street musician Alfred Ho, he is only thinking of his next meal and putting food on the table daily for his family. Busking is by no means an occupation filled with “glitz and glamour” – it is often hard work, as well as braving the hot sun and constant rain, day after day. Being a street busker demands a special kind grit or courage, as well as strength of character in facing up to the unending hurdles and challenges, often along busy roads and unforgiving streets of metropolitan KL. This is the story of one man’s dream and his quest for musical enlightenment.  Dubbed “Malaysia’s Stevie Wonder” during his heyday, Alfred Ho had been prematurely deprived of his eyesight or vision at a tender age of three, after a lengthy bout with measles. Hailing from the mining state of Perak, this loyal fan of the blues and 60’s rock ‘n’ roll has always possessed an unbridled passion for singing ever since he could hold a microphone as a child. During those days back then, karaoke was still in-trend, and Alfred had plenty of practice “behind the scenes”. As he grew older, he started experimenting with his favourite musical instrument, which is the guitar. Being naturally gifted with the guitar, he started playing and singing to mass crowds at numerous public events and functions, such as expos, fun-fairs, weddings, trade shows, community gatherings, as well as private jamming sessions with fellow colleagues. He also has an uncanny knack for mimicking or imitating other singers in his trademark deep baritone-styled voice – his vocal dynamics are as strong and impressive as ever. His various idols include the likes of Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Pat Boone, Engelbert Humperdink, and many other legends. He had a secret ambition to be a great artiste someday just like his idols. He always sang his heart out every time he performs, and pretty soon, his fan-base (i.e. legion of fans) grew too. Many of his loyal fans were truly amazed, thrilled and inspired by his majestic voice – it was strong and serene, yet soothing and comforting at the same time. Ultimately, the music industry took notice of his rare talent and gave him a recording contract. He briefly achieved national fame when he participated in RTM’s Bakat TV inaugural “reality singing” competition back in 1971. The rest, as they would say is history. But alas, all good things must come to an end somehow, eventually. Alfred Ho was no different…  Today, Alfred Ho is a faint glimmer of hope and a pale shadow of his past glory. Perhaps age has caught up with his voice, taken a toll on his will and spirit, or that he had become disillusioned of trying to “make it big” in the local music industry. His daily struggle of trying to make ends meet is also not helping his life-long cause of reviving his distant dream and long-forgotten ambition. Nevertheless, there is one certainty which was absolute – his voice had changed little over the years since he started singing almost five decades ago. The premium quality of his vocals is absolutely stunning and incredible. Just as a good wine needs to be aged or mellowed to achieve perfection in taste, Alfred Ho had seemingly defied the odds by sticking to his guts and playing his heart out. He kept on believing in himself, that his day would arrive, and it will surely come. Being blind has never hampered or discouraged Alfred Ho – aka “the blind busker” from plying his trade on the dusty streets, in the heart & soul of Malaysia’s city centre. He continues to busk to this present day. If you are lucky enough, you may just catch him in action – tugged somewhere in a lonely corner with his trusty guitar and his angelic voice.  For more information on Alfred Ho and his music, please visit his personal blog at http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.my , or simply check out his YouTube videos at www.youtube.com/user/alfredho1111/featured . Also featured below, is one of his many street performances in popular shopping malls and LRT stations. In particular, the following Facebook video link shows a ‘gung-ho’ Alfred performing a heart-warming rendition of the evergreen ballad “Butterfly” at the concourse area within RapidKL’s KLCC LRT Station at Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
https://www.facebook.com/HomefinderMalaysia/videos/1135426886470031
One Man’s Personal Quest And Vision Towards Attaining Musical Enlightenment For some people, being a street musician is nothing more than a performer on the busy sidewalks begging for alms. For others, it is merely showing off one’s skills to the public in the hope of breaking into the big-time showbiz industry. But for street musician Alfred Ho, he is only thinking of his next meal and putting food on the table daily for his family. Busking is by no means an occupation filled with “glitz and glamour” – it is often hard work, as well as braving the hot sun and constant rain, day after day. Being a street busker demands a special kind grit or courage, as well as strength of character in facing up to the unending hurdles and challenges, often along busy roads and unforgiving streets of metropolitan KL. This is the story of one man’s dream and his quest for musical enlightenment.  Dubbed “Malaysia’s Stevie Wonder” during his heyday, Alfred Ho had been prematurely deprived of his eyesight or vision at a tender age of three, after a lengthy bout with measles. Hailing from the mining state of Perak, this loyal fan of the blues and 60’s rock ‘n’ roll has always possessed an unbridled passion for singing ever since he could hold a microphone as a child. During those days back then, karaoke was still in-trend, and Alfred had plenty of practice “behind the scenes”. As he grew older, he started experimenting with his favourite musical instrument, which is the guitar. Being naturally gifted with the guitar, he started playing and singing to mass crowds at numerous public events and functions, such as expos, fun-fairs, weddings, trade shows, community gatherings, as well as private jamming sessions with fellow colleagues. He also has an uncanny knack for mimicking or imitating other singers in his trademark deep baritone-styled voice – his vocal dynamics are as strong and impressive as ever. His various idols include the likes of Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Pat Boone, Engelbert Humperdink, and many other legends. He had a secret ambition to be a great artiste someday just like his idols. He always sang his heart out every time he performs, and pretty soon, his fan-base (i.e. legion of fans) grew too. Many of his loyal fans were truly amazed, thrilled and inspired by his majestic voice – it was strong and serene, yet soothing and comforting at the same time. Ultimately, the music industry took notice of his rare talent and gave him a recording contract. He briefly achieved national fame when he participated in RTM’s Bakat TV inaugural “reality singing” competition back in 1971. The rest, as they would say is history. But alas, all good things must come to an end somehow, eventually. Alfred Ho was no different…  Today, Alfred Ho is a faint glimmer of hope and a pale shadow of his past glory. Perhaps age has caught up with his voice, taken a toll on his will and spirit, or that he had become disillusioned of trying to “make it big” in the local music industry. His daily struggle of trying to make ends meet is also not helping his life-long cause of reviving his distant dream and long-forgotten ambition. Nevertheless, there is one certainty which was absolute – his voice had changed little over the years since he started singing almost five decades ago. The premium quality of his vocals is absolutely stunning and incredible. Just as a good wine needs to be aged or mellowed to achieve perfection in taste, Alfred Ho had seemingly defied the odds by sticking to his guts and playing his heart out. He kept on believing in himself, that his day would arrive, and it will surely come. Being blind has never hampered or discouraged Alfred Ho – aka “the blind busker” from plying his trade on the dusty streets, in the heart & soul of Malaysia’s city centre. He continues to busk to this present day. If you are lucky enough, you may just catch him in action – tugged somewhere in a lonely corner with his trusty guitar and his angelic voice.  For more information on Alfred Ho and his music, please visit his personal blog at http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.my , or simply check out his YouTube videos at www.youtube.com/user/alfredho1111/featured . Also featured below, is one of his many street performances in popular shopping malls and LRT stations. In particular, the following Facebook video link shows a ‘gung-ho’ Alfred performing a heart-warming rendition of the evergreen ballad “Butterfly” at the concourse area within RapidKL’s KLCC LRT Station at Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
https://www.facebook.com/HomefinderMalaysia/videos/1135426886470031
Malay Mail
October 26th 2017
by Melanie Chalil
ASIA’S GOT TALENT SEASON 2’S oldest contestant is teaching the young ’uns a lesson.
You might recognise him:
Visually-impaired Malaysian singer Alfred Ho.
INSPIRING
Kuchai Lama resident, 68, impressed judges with peppy performance of Quando, quando, quando.
► Got David Foster, Anggun and Jay Park moving.
► Reminded viewers disability holds no man back.
Show has no age limit, giving Ho license to serenade regional audience.
► Singer an encouraging and uplifting reminder talent comes in all forms.
“This should inspire able-bodied people,” said Ho
“If a person my age can do it, younger people should all the more go for it.”
WIFE’S IDEA
► Rufina Baptist, 58, saw the open auditions.
► Encouraged Ho to join reality show for the fun of it.
SEASONED MUSICIAN
► Performing professionally for 30 years.
► Busks around Kuala Lumpur’s Avenue K mall so people from all walks of life can listen to his music.
► Known for oldies by Cliff Richard, Paul Anka and Neil Sedaka.
Malay Mail
October 21st 2017
WHEN some former students of St Xavier’s Institution heard that blind singer and schoolmate Alfred Ho was busking for a living in Kuala Lumpur, they wasted no time in trying to help him.
He was invited by the Old Xaverians Association and the Class of 66/68 to sing at their annual function in Penang.
Class of 66/68 spokesman Quah Boo Hock said they invited Ho to perform when they heard what he was doing.
“When we heard Ho was busking in Kuala Lumpur, we invited him to perform at this dinner as a way of helping him out.
“He is also a Xaverian and his songs are of our era and we would love to hear these hits that he was famous for performing.”
His voice strong as ever, Ho belted out favourite oldies by Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, The Beatles, Del Shannon, Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, and The Bee Gees with some contemporary tunes thrown in for the benefit of the younger members of his audience.
His motivation to sing and entertain has not diminished over the years and many sang along tunes that reminded them of their younger days.
The 68-year-old, who became blind at the age of three due to measles, is aided by his wife Rufina Baptist during his performances.
Born in Perak, Ho spent most of his younger days at the St Nicholas Home for the Blind when he became blind.
Ho studied at the home until primary level and continued his secondary studies at the school in Farquhar Street.
He started to play the guitar at St Nicholas when he heard some of the residents playing in a band.
“I borrowed the guitar while some of the boys were not playing and slowly taught myself to play the guitar until I reached a level where they urged me to play and sing for them.”
He was bitten by the music bug and has not stopped since.
After completing his secondary studies, he waded straight into the Penang local music scene, playing in bars and pubs picking up a sizeable fan base along the way.
Not satisfied, he decided to go to Kuala Lumpur in the early 1970s and entered the popular Bakat TV talent contest.
He made it to the semi-finals in 1971.
“Not bad for an amateur, who was also facing the television camera addressing a national audience and suddenly, I had some fame and fans,” he said.
He returned to Penang in the late 1970s where he secured a job as a telephone operator with the then Penang Municipal Council while moonlighting as a deejay and singer at the local pubs and nightspots.
But holding two jobs was taking a toll on his health and he decided to go full-time as an entertainer.
His talent was spotted by a record company and Ho returned to Kuala Lumpur in the mid-1980s to cut five English albums and one Chinese album with moderate success.
“It was a risk when I took the plunge but I have no regrets as nothing ventured, nothing gained though the success I had hoped for eluded me,” he said.
“I can’t say I have been successful or popular but I have not stopped playing regularly.”
He has not lost his ambition and his dream to perform overseas but he needs an agent who can help him realise his goals.
“You must believe in yourself but if I don’t succeed, I don’t blame anyone,” he added.
“You must work hard at your God-given talent and exploit it to the fullest, putting your heart and soul into what your are doing. I will give up when my health fails me.”
Ho has been busking at the AK Busk Stop in the Avenue K mall in Kuala Lumpur.
“I don’t feel ashamed as it’s like a practise session for me, and people from all walks of life can hear me,” he said.
“Keeping my mind sharp and active is important as it also helps to keep the body healthy.
LETTER TO YB FAHMI (2)
Dear YB Mr. Fahmi,
Datuk Seri Anwar has today given a very timely reminder for the newly minted government not to shirk it's responsibilities but to assist all Malaysians with their problems. On your interview with BFM on the breakfast grill, you came across as a friendly and caring person to the extent that I fell for your insincerity and misjudged you completely.
With this in mind I wish to register my disappointment with you for not having replied to my email which I sent to you some days ago and the letter was also posted on your facebook. It looks like PKR is not a people's centric party and it is my hope that your party is not umno 2.0 as it seems to be.
However, I shall not give up my quest for assistance and will seek out other officials to fulfill my desire for the help that I need. Anyway, if the new government does not deliver then we have only 5 short years to put your regime to the test. I know that you won't be happy to read this straight forward letter of mine but I believe in being frank and honest. If need be I shall write to Datuk Seri Anwar to seek his understanding with regards to the problems that the disabled community are facing.
Yours faithfully,
Alfred ho
No response from recipient
Datuk Seri Anwar has today given a very timely reminder for the newly minted government not to shirk it's responsibilities but to assist all Malaysians with their problems. On your interview with BFM on the breakfast grill, you came across as a friendly and caring person to the extent that I fell for your insincerity and misjudged you completely.
With this in mind I wish to register my disappointment with you for not having replied to my email which I sent to you some days ago and the letter was also posted on your facebook. It looks like PKR is not a people's centric party and it is my hope that your party is not umno 2.0 as it seems to be.
However, I shall not give up my quest for assistance and will seek out other officials to fulfill my desire for the help that I need. Anyway, if the new government does not deliver then we have only 5 short years to put your regime to the test. I know that you won't be happy to read this straight forward letter of mine but I believe in being frank and honest. If need be I shall write to Datuk Seri Anwar to seek his understanding with regards to the problems that the disabled community are facing.
Yours faithfully,
Alfred ho
No response from recipient
LETTER TO FAHMI FADZIL (1)
Dear YB Mr. Fahmi,
I have just heard your interview over BFM and I was rather impressed by your friendly attitude. That is the reason as to why I am writing to you right now.
First of all, allow me to introduce myself to you. I am a blind individual in my late 60's and a veteran singer/guitarist by profession. I started my singing career when I participated on bakat TV, the very first TV talent contest screened by RTM which was held in 1971.
However, for many years now I have had no support from the former regime and as such I have to resort to busking for my survival. Thankfully I do get some private engagements from time to time. For your info, I am busking at Avenue K which is at the KLCC LRT station on Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm. Do feel free to catch me performing if you can spare the time. My forte is singing the songs of the 50's right through to the 70's and I cover songs by Elvis Presley, cliff Richard, Ricky nelson and johnny tillitson to name just a few.
Mr. Fahmi, I wish to inform you that after pleading with the previous government for a job as a DJ with RTM, I finally got it but there was a hidden agenda not to keep me there for long. After working there for about 6 months I was relieved from the job but due to my determination to get back the job I wrote several letters to the then information minister namely, Khalil Yaakob and other VIPs for assistance but all pleas fell on deaf ears.
Mr. Fahmi , my actual purpose in writing to you is to request to have an appointment with you so that I can tell you more about the problems faced by the disabled community. There is actually a senator who is supposed to represent the disabled community but unfortunately our plight has not improved whatsoever.
Finally, Mr. Fahmi , I wish to inform you that I have been a great supporter of the opposition alliance and it may interest you to learn that I had posted numerous comments on free Malaysia today urging readers to vote in a new government and thank god we have achieved our dreams.
It may also interest you to learn that I have written on several occasions to PKR but have not received a single reply. I certainly hope that you won't disappoint me this time.
The latest letter that I wrote to PKR was to offer my services to honour the home coming of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim by giving him a small concert as I understand that he is a huge fan of the golden oldies.
Unfortunately, up till now I have not received a single reply from your party.
Mr. Fahmi, for your info, I have uploaded more than 200 clips onto YouTube. If you wish to view them, please go to YouTube and type in my channel which is alfredho1111
To get to know me better please visit my blog at//
http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.com
Looking forward to your early reply and thanking you in anticipation.
regards,
Alfred ho
No response from recipient
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