Write an article about At 90, A Samad Said retains his love for life and literature .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from National laureate A Samad Said, aka Pak Samad, turned 90 in April. (A Samad Said / Merdeka Award pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: It has been a while since we’ve heard news about Abdul Samad Mohamed Said, better known as A Samad Said. Last seen at the Merdeka Award ceremony on Aug 28, Pak Samad, as he is fondly known, was among seven individuals who received awards for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Despite having turned 90 in April, the national laureate’s love for books and writing has not faded one bit. His son, musician and writer Az Samad, offers insight into the life of a man widely regarded as one of the most influential personalities in modern Malay literary history.
Samad is widely regarded as a champion of the national language and a voice for the people. Known by several pen names – including Hilmy Isa, Isa Dahmuri, Jamil Kelana, Manja, Mesra, and Shamsir – he has five children, 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Born on April 9, 1935 in Kampung Belimbing Dalam, Durian Tunggal, Melaka, he was raised in Singapore and received his early education at Kota Raja Malay School before continuing his education at Victoria Institution. One of his earliest short stories, “Hari Ini Hari Gembira”, was written in October 1954.
In 1956, he passed the Senior Cambridge Certificate examination and, after completing his studies, worked as a clerk at the Singapore General Hospital.
Samad later moved to Kuala Lumpur, where he joined the newspaper Fikiran Rakyat as a journalist. After several months, he returned to Singapore to work with Utusan Zaman, which was part of the Utusan Group, led by prominent Malaysian poet, playwright and novelist Usman Awang.
When the company relocated to KL, Samad followed suit, assisting Usman in managing the magazine Mastika. Later, Samad served as the head of literary development at the New Straits Times.
With his son, musician and writer Az Samad. (Az Samad Facebook pic)
In 1987, he stepped down from an editorial position at Berita Harian to fully dedicate himself to writing, focusing on essays and poetry.
An ‘unpredictable’ career
Reflecting on his over seven-decade-long literary career, he said he has always enjoyed being a writer even though “one can’t really rely on it for a steady monthly income; it’s unpredictable.
“Sometimes you earn well and at other times, you get nothing at all. But because it’s a path I chose from the beginning, I have no regrets.”
Samad said his success as a novelist surprised him. “It was an unexpected wish for which I am truly grateful. Every time I write something that receives a good response, I believe it’s not only a personal gain but it also benefits society.
“Such achievements become part of the nation’s treasure,” he said.
Among the many highlights of his career, his most cherished experience was writing “Al-Amin”, a poem chronicling the life of Prophet Muhammad.
“I never thought I would complete an entire anthology of Islamic poetry,” he reflected. “I’m proud of my other works, too, but not in the same way. ‘Al-Amin’ was the most challenging as it required my full sincerity, and deepest knowledge and capability to write it.”
That said, the pinnacle of his career was arguably the official publication of his novel “Salina” in 1961. Set in post World War II, the story revolves around the conflict and struggles of the titular character, who seeks to reclaim her dignity and find her place in a world that has marginalised her.
In Bangkok after having received the SEA Write Award in 1979. (A Samad Said pic)
The novel explores themes of poverty, morality, love and redemption, while also highlighting conflicts between traditional values and changing times. With its bold storytelling and literary finesse, “Salina” is a landmark in modern Malay literature.
While it only received a consolation prize in a 1958 competition organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, “Salina” went on to be recognised as the first-ever Malay novel and has been reprinted numerous times, including a 60th-anniversary edition in 2021.
Samad’s other notable novels include “Hujan Pagi”, which portrays the psychological turmoil of a pre-war journalist struggling to adapt to the changing direction and environment of modern journalism.
He also drew inspiration from his travels: his visit to India in 1965 inspired “Bulan Tak Bermadu di Fatehpur Sikri”, while his 1989 trip to Europe gave rise to “Cinta Fansuri” and “Warkah Eropah”.
These writings not only reflect his fascination with foreign cultures but also demonstrate his ability to transform personal experiences into universal narratives.
One of Samad’s works that resonates with the younger generation is the poem “Gagak Parit”, translated into English as “The Dead Crow” by Harry Aveling. It was part of Malaysia’s secondary-school English curriculum from 2000 to 2009, and even became the focus of a visual art exhibition in KL in 2017.
To strengthen the letter-writing genre in Malay literature, Samad penned “Warkah Kepada Salmi Manja”, addressed to his wife. He made his mark in drama as well, particularly through the play “Lantai T Pinkie”, which has been staged 17 times as of 2023.
Samad, seen here reciting poems at the Jeonju Asia-Africa Literature Festival in South Korea, often drew inspiration from his travels. (A Samad Said pic)
Meanwhile, his poetry collections such as “68 Soneta Pohon Ginkgo” and “Balada Hilang Peta” extended his literary reach internationally, including in South Korea.
In 2019, Samad was appointed resident literarian at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, which houses the Pak Samad Gallery – a living archive of his works.
Among the accolades he has received are the Pejuang Sastera (1976), SEA Write Award (1979), National Laureate (1985), and Sasterawan Nusantara (1999).
Asked how he felt about being a recipient of last year’s Merdeka Award, he responded: “Honestly, I didn’t expect it and I never imagined it. But of course I’m happy.”
Challenges and comfort
Samad revealed that the biggest challenge in his life revolved around his stutter. “From the beginning, I had a dream of becoming a great orator. I would go to the seashore, wait for the big waves to crash, and I would try to shout louder than the waves.
“My role model was someone who also stuttered – I’ve forgotten his name – but I wanted to surpass him. He started off with a stutter but eventually overcame it, and that inspired me.”
He said he considers his success at overcoming his speech impediment an “extraordinary achievement”.
Beyond literature, Samad was also actively involved in social and political activism. He played a key role in Gerakan Mansuhkan PPSMI (2009), which opposed the teaching of science and mathematics in English, and participated in the Bersih 2.0 and 3.0 rallies, advocating for electoral reforms in Malaysia.
Samad receiving a Merdeka Award, which recognises individuals and their exceptional contributions in their respective fields, in August. (Merdeka Award pic)
In 1958, he married former journalist Saleha Abdul Rashid, more fondly known as Salmi Manja. A fellow poet and novelist, she was one of the pioneering women writers who advocated for social justice and women’s rights.
In 1979, he married his second wife, Rashidah Dahan. Saleha passed away on Dec 26, 2023 at age 86.
Having gone through difficult phases in life, Samad said his religious beliefs have become even more significant to him. “Whenever I feel anxious, I find comfort in reading the Quran,” he shared.
He now also relaxes by reading classic literature – works he’d previously not had time to complete, including those by Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Hemingway. “I didn’t finish reading their books in the past, but now I’m taking it slow, savouring every moment and gathering their wisdom.”
To the public, Samad has these simple and profound messages: “Do good. Contribute to your people and your country. Young people should ask themselves, ‘What do I really want to become?’ – then pursue it.
“Serve others. And never steal; never take what rightfully belongs to someone else.”
As for his own legacy, he concludes: “I hope I made meaningful contributions to my people and my country through my presence in this world. If this has happened, I am content.”
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