{
  "id": 18120995,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: 1998 Games to timeless anthem: Wah Idris wants national status for Ella's classic",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/showbiz-1998-games-to-timeless-anthem-wah-idris-wants-national-status",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-04T11:51:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/11/1570864/showbiz-1998-games-timeless-anthem-wah-idris-wants-national-status"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR - Composing legend Datuk Wah Idris is pushing for Malaysia's beloved anthem, \"Standing in the Eyes of the World,\" to receive official national status. The 69-year-old musician believes this classic, popularised by rock icon Ella, deserves official recognition for its ability to unite Malaysians and represent the country on the world stage. Idris hopes government officials will consider granting the song formal national status, citing its neutral nature and universal appeal as reasons for its potential to elevate Malaysia internationally. The composer wrote the piece for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, choosing uplifting, non-sports lyrics to showcase Malaysia to the world. Over three decades later, the song's enduring popularity and selection by the US Embassy in Malaysia for Independence Day prove its timelessness, Idris told Bernama.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: After nearly three decades of touching the hearts of Malaysians, composer Datuk Wah Idris hopes to see Standing in the Eyes of the World given official recognition as a special national song.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}