Malaysia's 89-yr-old candidate goes online

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, according to reports 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.

"This is very tiring," Maimun Yusuf told Reuters during a break in her campaign for the 83,000-strong constituency of Kuala Terengganu, capital of oil-rich Terengganu.

"I have been going non-stop since nomination day but a lot of people are helping me out, so I'm not pulling out," said the woman, a textile trader with seven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She 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 pedaled 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.

Asked about her election message to voters, she said: "I am upset when I see a lot of youths turning to drugs and there are not enough schools. If chosen, I will make it all better."