Lim Kit Siang has announced that national laureate A Samad Said is now a DAP member and described him as " Perwira Ubah " (warrior of change).

During a function in Gua Musang, Kelantan this afternoon, Lim also handed the 80-year-old poet and writer his party membership card.

Samad was the former co-chairperson of electoral watchdog Bersih.

The renowned poet said he had long harboured hopes of joining DAP.

And as a writer who has long been involved in the literary field, Samad said his works would have no meaning if they did not address issues close to the people.

As for the various reactions towards him entering politics through DAP, Samad admitted several quarters did not agree with his decision.

"They believe that my joining DAP would hurt the image of a national laureate, but it's not a problem for me as every action has its pros and cons," he said.

Fondly known as Pak Samad, he was also a journalist and won the prestigious South East Asia Writers Award in 1978.

Samad was bestowed the national laureate title in 1986.