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Pak Samad an 'influential Malaysian'

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday described veteran journalist Tan Sri A. Samad Ismail, who died on Thursday, as a true professional. 

The prime minister said the former New Straits Times editorial adviser, fondly known as Pak Samad, had made vast contributions through his writings to the nation and newspaper companies under his helm.

"His role and influence in the media and development of the country can be glimpsed through his articles, features and editorials and policies he introduced in the companies he led."

He described Samad as an influential Malaysian "who was exceptional in many ways."

The National Journalism Laureate, who was admitted to Pantai Medical Centre on Aug 25 for a lung and blood infection, died of multiple organ failure.

Samad leaves behind wife Puan Sri Habibah Hamid, two sons, six daughters, 26 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Meanwhile, at Samad's house in Section 16, Petaling Jaya, hundreds of family members, friends and former colleagues gathered to pay their last respect.

Present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Abdul Shahrir Samad, International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former information minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin, veteran journalist Tan Sri Mazlan Nordin, Umno veteran Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, Parti Keadilan Rakyat president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and the party's information chief Tian Chua.

Singapore senior minister of state for foreign affairs Zainal Abidin Rasheed represented the republic.

Samad's body was taken to the Kolej Islam Malaya mosque here for prayers at 11.45am and then to the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery for burial after Friday prayers.

Abdullah was present at the mosque to pay his last respects.

Also present were 150 family members and friends. 

They included New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun, Berita Harian group editor Datuk Manja Ismail and national literary laureate Datuk A. Samad Said.

The talqin was read by imam Abdul Hamid Ridwan.

Samad's daughter, Nuraina, said her father was a serious and hardworking journalist "who went to work very early in the morning and came back home late".

"He had a spirit of socialism in him. I don't think anyone can be like him." 

She thanked those who had been supporting the family since her father was admitted to hospital.

Samad was born on April 18, 1924, in Singapore and began his career as a reporter with Utusan Melayu before World War 2.

In 1972, when the New Straits Times was established as a homegrown newspaper, he was named managing editor and deputy group editor-in-chief.

He was appointed editorial adviser of the newspaper in 1982. He was also involved in setting up TV3's news department in 1984.

Samad was also a Berita Harian columnist and resident writer at the Arts & Social Sciences Faculty of University of Malaya.

In 2001, he returned to the New Straits Times as editorial adviser.