Remembering Micheal Jackson

Did your Internet connection seem slow Thursday afternoon? It very likely wasn’t your computer; it was the surge of interest in Michael Jackson’s hospitalization and death.

Michael Jackson had passed away at his home in Los Angeles at local time 1426 on June 25, 2009 (Malaysian time 0626 on June 26, 2009). The cause of his death is suspected to be cardiac arrest. I was quite shocked hearing the news from radio while driving to work that morning.

I am not really a big fan of Michael Jackson, although I grew up listened to his songs. His solo career was at its peak in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s when I was in secondary school, college and start working, some of Jackson’s songs are still my all time favorite till this day, including “Ben”, “Thriller”, “Beat it”, “Billie Jean”, “Bad”, “Jam”, “Heal the World”, “Black or White”, “Will You Be There”, “Dangerous”, “Scream”, “They Don’t Care About Us”, “Earth Song”, “You Are Not Alone”, “Cry” and many more, cannot possibly list out all of them!

Despite some of his negative news including 2 accuses on child sexual abuse, I still think that Michael Jackson has had unparalleled influence on worldwide culture. He is someone who has devoted a lot on the promotion of human welfare and social reforms. Throughout his career, Michael has always donated to famine relief from the sales of his albums and tour tickets. He also helped to create worldwide awareness to help the poor in Africa. Michael founded the “Heal the World Foundation” in 1992 to help children threatened by war and disease around the globe. He had recorded many singles to help to raise fund for charity. Believe it or not, his foundation has supported 39 different charities over the years.

Michael Jackson is a musical genius, the likes of him who comes along once in a generation. He entertained millions of people around the world with his songs and dance moves. He was a trail blazer, breaking barriers after barriers. Michael was an innovator, constantly striving to introduce new dimension in his performances. Who can forget his moonwalk?

It ages all of us so quickly. Sends us a memo that nothing, even the most divine of talents, is permanent. That even the most famous, the most blessed, are ultimately just like all the rest of us---a tinker toy construction of bones and blood that can collapse at any time. A scary reminder of our own mortality and an odd sensation when we find ourselves still alive when a hero has just died.

Michael Jackson will always live in our heart. He is truly a legend, one of the world’s famous names. His contributions to humanitarian will always be remembered. A deep respect and salute to “King of Pop” – Michael Jackson!