Now 90, A Samad Said's appetite for the written word burns as brightly as ever

The Star

a day ago

National Laureate Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Samad Mohamed Said – better known as A. Samad Said, or simply Pak Samad to the literary masses – remains a towering yet approachable figure in Malaysian culture.
He was last seen on the big stage at the 2024 Merdeka Award ceremony in Kuala Lumpur last August, where he was among seven recipients honoured for exceptional contributions in their fields.
But if Samad is not in the spotlight, you'll likely find him – accompanied by his wife Rashidah Md Dahan – among the crowd, meeting literary and art fans – like at the Palette And Pen exhibition launch at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery in April, where he's exhibiting a striking ink-on-paper series.
He also turned 90 in April, yet his passion for books and writing remains undimmed.
With the help of his musician-writer son Az Abdul Samad, 44, he spoke to Bernama recently about his long career and enduring love for the written word.
Samad has five children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Love for books, writing
Born on April 9, 1935, in Kampung Belimbing Dalam, Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Samad was raised in Singapore and began his education at Kota Raja Malay School before continuing at Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur.
One of his earliest short stories, Hari Ini Hari Gembira (October 1954), marked the start of a long literary journey – earning him recognition as a voice of the people's conscience and a symbol of the resilience of the national language.
Over the years, he wrote under several pen names, including Hilmy Isa, Isa Dahmuri, Jamil Kelana, Manja, Mesra, and Shamsir.
More than just a poet and novelist, Samad is seen as the voice of the people, a cultural force, and a symbol of the strength of the national language. Photo: Bernama
After passing the Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1956, he worked as a clerk at Singapore General Hospital before joining the newspaper Fikiran Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur.
He soon returned to Singapore to write for Utusan Zaman and Utusan Melayu, both under the Utusan Group, led by literary giant Usman Awang.
When the company moved to Kuala Lumpur, Samad followed, later helping Usman Awang manage the magazine Mastika.
He would go on to serve as Head of Literary Development at the New Straits Times.
In 1987, he left his editorial post at Berita Harian to devote himself fully to writing, focusing on essays and poetry.
'No regrets'
Reflecting on his seven-decade-long literary journey, filled with its fair share of ups and downs, Samad shared that he has always loved being a writer – even if the path has been far from financially secure.
"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,' he said.
His achievements speak volumes about his literary stature, but he admitted he never expected to gain such widespread recognition, saying his success as a novelist still surprises him.
"After receiving praise and material rewards, I felt like it was an unexpected gift for which I'm truly grateful. Every time I write something that receives a good response, I feel it's not only a personal gain but also benefits society. I believe it (such achievements) becomes part of the nation's treasure.'
On receiving the 2024 Merdeka Award, Samad said, 'Honestly, I didn't expect it and I never imagined it. But of course, I'm happy.'
This file photo from 1992 shows Samad at home in Ampang, Selangor surrounded by his books. Photo: The Star/Filepic
He also revealed that one of the most cherished highlights of his career was writing Al-Amin, a poem chronicling the life of Prophet Muhammad.
"I never thought I'd complete an entire Islamic poetry anthology. I'm proud of my other works too, but Al-Amin was the most challenging – it demanded my full sincerity, knowledge, and capability,' he said.
Salina and beyond
Samad became a household name with the 1961 publication of his novel Salina, which follows a woman's struggle to reclaim her dignity in post-World War II society.
Once a mistress, Salina grapples with love, loss, and the weight of societal judgment in a world that has cast her aside.
The novel explores themes of poverty, morality, redemption, and the clash between tradition and change – all through Salina's poignant journey.
Though it only earned a consolation prize in a 1958 Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka competition, Salina went on to be hailed as the first major modern Bahasa Malay novel. It has since seen numerous reprints, including a 60th anniversary edition in 2021.
With its poetic prose and bold realism, Salina remains a cornerstone of Bahasa Malaysia literature and essential reading for literary enthusiasts.
His poetry collections, including 68 Soneta Pohon Gingko and Balada Hilang Peta, along with translated works, have extended his literary reach internationally – even to South Korea.
At the 'Palette And Pen' exhibition at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery in KL, Samad is exhibiting a striking ink-on-paper series. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani
As a poet, Samad also revealed how he overcame his greatest challenge – stuttering.
'My biggest challenge has been my stutter. From the beginning, I dreamed of becoming a great orator. So I would go to the seashore, wait for the big waves to crash, and try to shout louder than the waves hitting the shore or rocks,' he said.
Other notable works by Samad include Hujan Pagi, a psychological novel about a pre-war journalist grappling with the changing landscape of modern journalism.
His novels such as Daerah Zeni, Sungai Mengalir Lesu, Di Hadapan Pulau, and Keledang explore societal struggles from diverse perspectives.
Travel was also a key source of inspiration. His 1965 trip to India led to Bulan Tak Bermadu di Fatehpur Sikri, while his 1989 journey through Europe inspired Cinta Fansuri and Warkah Eropah – works that reflect his fascination with other cultures and his talent for turning personal encounters into universal narratives.
On the theatre front, Samad also left his mark in drama with Lantai T. Pinkie, staged 17 times up to 2023.
Reading, a constant companion
For someone who has blurred the lines between career and personal life, Samad offered a thoughtful reflection.
"I honestly can't separate the two. To me, every passing moment is meaningful. Reading is my only pastime ... I feel at ease when I have a book on my right and left," he said.
Samad at a poetry and music recital in George Town, Penang in November 2016, accompanied by his son Az on guitar. Photo: The Star/Filepic
These days, he finds comfort in revisiting classic literature – books he never had the time to finish earlier in life.
"Now, I spend more time reading the classics I once left unfinished. I enjoy works by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Ernest Hemingway ... I didn't complete their books in the past, but now I'm taking my time, savouring each moment and 'gathering' wisdom,' he shared.
Reflecting on his life philosophy, he added that he often reminds others that simply having the chance to live is a gift – not everyone gets that opportunity.
"But I did and I am grateful for it. Each person interprets life in their own way, but it is something that must be cherished. As a writer, I try to do the best I can.'
Having endured many difficult phases in life, he said his religious beliefs have grown even more meaningful with time.
"Whenever I feel anxious, I find comfort in reading the Quran,' he said, adding he considers his success at overcoming his stutter an "extraordinary achievement'.
"I hope I made meaningful contributions to my people and my country through my presence in this world. And if this has happened, I am content," he concluded. – Bernama