Samad will woo youth votes

Tarani Palani | January 19, 2012

A student leader says the national laureate, as Bersih's co-chair, is capable of moving young voters across the divide.

PETALING JAYA: The co-opting of National Laureate, A Samad Said, into the Bersih movement will help tremendously in wooing younger voters, said a student leader today.

Ahmad Syukri Abdul Razab, the leader of Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM), said Samad was an “icon” and that his presence in Bersih was significant.

Ahmad, 26, and 76-year-old Samad were the latest additions to the election watchdog’s committee in a bid to continue to reach out to the younger voters.

Bersih chairperson S Ambiga announced on Tuesday that Samad will be sharing the seat with her. Ahmad was selected as a steering committee member.

The youngest member of the committee, Ahmad said the National Laureate is admired by many and university students looked up to him. His work is taught in universities.

“That’s why his reach is beyond the political divide. Even if students are pro-opposition, government or fence sitters, Samad is capable of moving them,” he added.

Samad, fondly referred to as Pak Samad, made headlines on July 9 when he walked barefoot for most of the 8km of the Bersih rally.

Ahmad added that Samad’s addition into Bersih was a “slap” for the government, who argued that the movement was anti-Islamic or did not serve Malay interest.

“It is a slap in the face of the narrow-minded opinions within the government that Bersih does not support Malay interest.

“Samad’s selection goes to show these quarters that the fight for clean and fair elections are not based on race. Bersih is for all,” he said.

‘We know about the dirty tactics’

He added that SMM had been approached by Bersih several times previously and they had finally decided to join because of the impending general election.

“We have followed Bersih’s progress. We (undergraduates) are for free and fair elections, especially when we know of the dirty tactics used in the elections.

“Should people want to change the government, it should be done in a sincere manner. We have assisted Bersih since July 9, now the collaboration is formalised,” he said.

He said that SMM was in the midst of a national roadshow to rally the young to vote.

Asked if he was afraid of repercussion from his university, he revealed that he was on a break from his studies to focus on student movement activities.

Ahmad who studies Syariah and Law in Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Selangor (KUIS), said that he would resume his studies next February.