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| Grandma, 89, Seeks Parliamentary Seat in Malaysia |
| Maimun Yusuf turns to cyberspace to reach out to her voters |
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Lim Kong Soon (wordscods)  |
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Published 2008-03-08 14:35 (KST) |
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 |  | |  Maimun doing her campaigning along the roads of Kuala Terengganu. | | | ©2008 Maimun Yusuf | In one's 80s, most people would call it old age and enjoy their final years of life. However, things seem to be different for Maimun Yusuf (fondly know as "Tok" by the locals). The 89-year-old grandma with one child, six grandchildren and 19 great-grand children is a candidate in Malaysia's 12th general election that will take place today.
Despite her lack of political experience, Maimun said that she would be willing to take up the responsibility of a member of parliament if she wins the election. With little manpower and resources, she is the oldest election candidate in Malaysia and the world. The 72-year-old John McCain is the second oldest election candidate.
Maimun, an independent candidate and her opponents from other political parties are contesting in the constituency Kuala Terengganu, the northern state in Malaysia.
|  | | | Maimun and her Facebook profile. | | | ©2008 Maimun Yusuf | Maimun and her volunteers have so far spent more than US$6,500 (RM 20,589) on the election for registration, posters, campaign materials and other necessities. The textile trader used most of her savings for the election. Her supporters include computer savvy youngsters have helped her campaigning through the Internet by uploading videos on YouTube, making a Facebook profile and a blog.
"We have differences in age, race, class and religion among other things. However, what we share is a passion to strive together for a better Malaysia as a Malaysia citizen," commented one of her supporters Brian Ong when contacted by OhmyNews in a phone interview.
He added that the volunteers and Maimun have no communication barrier although Maimun only spoke in Malay dialects. Her volunteers admit that she is an inspiration to all in her blog.
|  | | | A poster of Maimun | | | ©2008 Maimun Yusuf | "Maimun wants to stand for the people of Terengganu," Brian also said. Among the topics in her manifesto includes building more religious school and welfare homes, fighting unemployment and poverty and ensuring the hills in Terengganu are protected.
Throughout the election campaign, Maimun have been doing visits around Kuala Terengganu cycling on an old bicycle. She reminded village folks to cross the set of keys symbol when voting. She used a set of keys as a symbol for her election campaign.
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©2008 OhmyNews
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