Kuala Lumpur: It has been some time since news emerged about National Laureate Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Samad Mohamed Said, better known as A. Samad Said. He was last seen at the 2024 Merdeka Award ceremony on August 28 of the previous year, where Pak Samad, as he is fondly referred to, was among seven individuals honored for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields. The highly respected novelist and poet’s passion for literature remains undiminished, despite having turned 90 in April this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, his son Az Abdul Samad, a musician and writer, assisted with this interview to provide insights into the life of a man widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Malay literary history. A. Samad Said is celebrated as a champion of the national language and literature. One of his earliest short stories, “Hari Ini Hari Gembira,” was written in October 1954, and he is known as a voice of the people’s conscience and a symbol of the resilience of the Malay language.
Born on April 9, 1935, in Kampung Belimbing Dalam, Durian Tunggal, Melaka, A. Samad Said was raised in Singapore and educated at Kota Raja Malay School and Victoria Institution. After passing the Senior Cambridge Certificate examination in 1956, he worked as a clerk at Singapore General Hospital before joining the newspaper ‘Fikiran Rakyat’ in Kuala Lumpur as a journalist. He later returned to Singapore to work with ‘Utusan Zaman’, part of the Utusan Group led by Usman Awang, a prominent Malaysian poet, playwright, and novelist.
Reflecting on his literary journey, he recalls his unexpected honor of receiving the 2024 Merdeka Award. “Honestly, I didn’t expect it and I never imagined it. But of course, I’m happy,” he expressed. Despite the unpredictable nature of a writing career, he cherishes his path and the recognition it has brought him.
A. Samad Said’s name became a household one with the publication of his novel ‘Salina’ in 1961, a story exploring themes of poverty, morality, love, and redemption. ‘Salina’ is considered a landmark in modern Malay literature. His literary contributions include works inspired by his travels, such as ‘Bulan Tak Bermadu di Fatehpur Sikri’ and ‘Cinta Fansuri’, showcasing his ability to transform personal experiences into universal narratives.
He has also been recognized with numerous accolades, including the ‘Pejuang Sastera’, S.E.A. Write Award, and National Laureate, underscoring his influence on Malay literature. Additionally, his involvement in social and political activism, notably in the ‘Gerakan Mansuhkan PPSMI’, has established him as a respected figure beyond literature.
Despite challenges, including overcoming a stutter, A. Samad Said remains grateful for his life and contributions. His message to the public is to do good, serve others, and never take what belongs to others, embodying the principles he has lived by throughout his storied career.