KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — An 89-year-old Malaysian woman who is the oldest candidate in Saturday's elections has taken her hunt for votes online with the support of volunteers a fraction her age, reports said Friday.
The gutsy grandmother, who is an independent candidate in the east coast state of Terengganu, became an overnight media celebrity when she began campaigning last month.
Maimun Yusuf now has her own blog, and a page on the popular social networking website Facebook. Footage of her campaign has also been uploaded on the video sharing website Youtube.
Maimun has been "adopted" by 24-year-old Brian Ong, a Yale economics graduate who was moved by her story.
"This is a last-minute measure for her to reach out to more voters, especially the younger generation," Ong told the New Straits times.
He said Maimun's commitment to politics was admirable for someone her age, as most young Malaysians in the country were apathetic.
"I may not agree with some of the issues she champions... but ultimately she is in her own way striving to make Malaysia a better place," he said.
Ong set up the Facebook account with the help of two other volunteers, Gopi Munusamy, 32, and Sim YK, 30, who have transplanted themselves to Terengganu and are driving Mainum around villages to canvas for votes.
"I am happy that these young men have come from far to help me. I hope that I will reach the young voters now that I'm online," said Mainum, who can hardly read or write.
Before the young trio came to her aid, Mainum pedalled around on an old bicycle to meet voters and attend meetings.
"You might not win enough votes, but you've already won our hearts. Wish you all the best and success," wrote Megaa Velayuthan in one of the listings on her Facebook page.
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