KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — National laureate Datuk A. Samad Said’s decision to join an opposition party like the DAP has made him a symbol of the struggle to build a Malaysia that transcends racial politics and thrive on progressive values, party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said today.
Congratulating the literary figure affectionately known as Pak Samad for being DAP’s latest member, Lim called the decision “brave”, and said the former’s entry into the party is a manifestation of the majority’s yearning for the country to abandon communal politics and move forward united.
“He is brave for his decision and is greatly appreciated by the DAP as it came at a time when the party is heavily attacked along racial and religious line.
“The entry of a national laureate into the DAP is surely among the many manifestation of the seriousness of majority of Malaysians -irrespective of race or faith— in wanting change,” Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, said in a statement.
As the DAP leaders made the official announcement in a low-key event yesterday, Samad said he had decided to join the party because he felt that the DAP is a “truly Malaysian” group.
The 80-year-old Malay writer and poet also said he had longed to join the DAP for the past two years.
Lim said the move should be made an example to all public intellectuals to take a clear stand at a time when the country is dealt with the worst leadership crisis since Independence.
“At a time when the public is yearning for a firm voice from the intellectuals, Datuk A. Samad Said gave a signal that there is no other way to save Malaysia but to abandon racial politics and the politics of fear by joining Pakatan Rakyat to fight together for the people.
“Datuk A Samad Said, even as he reaches 80 years old, has remain spirited to help fight for a Middle Malaysia that thrives on moderation, progressive values and democracy”.
Lim also expressed his utmost gratitude for Samad for choosing the DAP and said he hoped his entry into the party would strengthen co-operation between Malaysians and the opposition bloc.
The inclusion of the former co-chair of electoral watchdog Bersih in the DAP comes even as the predominantly Chinese party seeks to increase its Malay membership in a bid to move towards a more multi-racial image.
The DAP had fielded a Malay woman, Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, in the Teluk Intan by-election last year in a semi-urban seat in Perak that has a significant Chinese electorate. Dyana Sofya, however, narrowly lost the election to Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong.
