Background
Mohamed Rahmat was born on 4 January 1938 in Pulai near Johor Bahru, Johor.
Mohamed Rahmat was born on 4 January 1938 in Pulai near Johor Bahru, Johor.
He was famously known as Tok Mat, Mat Setia and Mat Mr Propaganda. As the minister of information, Mohamed introduced the "Setia Bersama Rakyat" (Semarak) programme aimed at instilling in the people greater love for the country. He also introduced the patriotic song "Setia".
One instance where he displayed it was when he ordered rock singers to trim their long hair if they wanted to participate in programmes broadcast over Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
Among those who followed the directive were the rock groups Wings, with lead singer Awie, and Search, with lead singer Amy. Mohamed Rahmat died on 1 January 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, aged of 71.
Several places and honours were named after him, including:
Kompleks Tan Sri Mohammad Rahmat in Tampoi, Johor.
He was a Pulai Member of Parliament from 1969 to 1999 as UMNO-Barisan Nasional.