Jackson’s Malaysian fans phone in, jam radio network

KUALA LUMPUR - Hundreds of Michael Jackson fans in Malaysia jammed the phone lines of a national radio station to express their shock on learning about death of the King of Pop.

Jackson died Thursday following a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles, US. He was 50.

Anida Mohamad Tahrim, network programme manager with Fly FM, told the New Straits Times that the station had been flooded with calls from Jackson’s fans, many in tears as they struggled to come to terms with the performer’s death.

“There is an overwhelming response. Fans are shocked and many are depressed,” she said, adding that Jackson “will be remembered for a long, long time”.

“YOU live a life for millions of us, YOU fill our lives full of joy and awareness with your music and songs, YOU made us become THE WORLD. Thank you, my dear friend… It’s been a life fulfilled for most of us,” said Peter Khor, one of the millions of Malaysian fans of singer Michael Jackson.

Reacting to the news of his death, Valens confessed to having stolen money at home to buy MJ tapes, adding: “Once I actually done my hair like him….”

“We humankind has lost the best entertainer,” Valens wrote on Star Online, The Star newspaper’s website.

Websites of all newspapers who sought feedback from readers were flooded with tearful emotions through the day.

The reactions also ranged from utter disbelief to despair.

Michael Wong, a fan, said he would sing MJ’s songs to his grandchildren.

“You are still very much alive, as long as mankind still can hear and as long as the air vibrates, your songs will continue to play on the speakers and touch our hearts and souls. And we will sing them again and again and tell our grandchildren for generations to come, that You have rocked our world. Be in peace, our hero, our idol,” said Wong.

“No one…just no one can erase your influence on so many of us of a certain age, your musical genius will immortalise you for the generations to come. Thank you Michael!! Rest in peace,” said Maran, reluctantly accepting that MJ is no more.