PETALING JAYA: Veteran entertainment journalist Zieman (pic), who was once a lyricist for bands such as Alleycats and Headwind, has died of kidney failure. She was 60. The former mStar editor died yesterday evening at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, where she was admitted on Dec 8 for various medical complications.

       News about the death of Zieman, who was also previously an assistant editor of The Star, was relayed by her son Qadim Shahir.

       Zieman, whose real name was Fauziah Mohd Johar, had much insight into Malaysia’s show business.

       She was often the go-to person on matters related to who’s who and and happenings in the industry.

       Zieman was among the founding members of Persatuan Wartawan dan Penulis Hiburan Malaysia.

       She was also an acclaimed lyricist, writing hits for Headwind (Bayangan Mu Bagai Mimpi and Kasihku Abadi), Loving Born (Mengapa), Rina Khan (Sketsa Cinta), Alleycats (Sehati Tak Sejiwa) and Qadeem Shaher (Mengapa).

       She was also well-known for mentoring young journalists.

       Zieman started her career as a journalist with the New Straits Times in the mid-1980s before joining Star Media Group in March 2000 as chief reporter. She eventually became an editor of mStar.

       Zieman’s last position was assistant editor of The Star before she accepted a Voluntary Separation Scheme in 2019 and retired.

       Her colleagues knew her to be a cool, fun and friendly character despite her heavy responsibilities as a single mother of six children.

       “She joined The Star from a rival media but quickly became one of us. She was the elder sister to many of us, and witty and sharp till the end. She was full of life and humour. A big personality, we will miss her,” said Star Media Group chief content officer Esther Ng.

       SMG adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai described Zieman as iconic.

       “She knew every celebrity personally and was the go-to person. It was common to see artistes turning up at The Star to see her. She was really good in her job.

       “Even now, many celebrities are texting me to find out if the sad news is true,” said Wong.

       Daryl Goh, StarLifestyle editor who worked with Zieman in the early 2000s, said she came from an era where entertainment writers were just as flamboyant as pop stars.

       “She had that energy, aura and charismatic confidence that celebrities had. And how she could spot a good entertainment story. Zieman knew practically everybody in the pop scene and could open doors for you if you needed her help,” he said.Zieman will be laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery today before zohor prayers.