Having involved in politics since in 1983, Khalid Abdul Samad is undoubtedly one of the leading figures in the country’s political scene.

Backed with 35 years of experiences in politics, Khalid, who was born in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, was actively involved in PAS from the beginning and was fielded as a candidate for the first time to contest for the Kuala Krai parliamentary seat in the 1986 general election, but lost.

Khalid, who is the youngest brother to Umno leader Shahrir Abdul Samad, was also detained under the Internal Security Act 1960 (which has since been abolished) in 1987 for nine months under ‘Ops Lalang’, then continued to be active in politics and was among the ranks of the leadership of the Central PAS Youth Council then.

A member of the Central PAS Committee from 1987 to 1995, Khalid held several key posts in PAS including the Selangor PAS deputy commissioner, as well as Central PAS working committee member from 2013 until 2015, before leaving the party to join Amanah.

Khalid, who is Amanah communications director, has retained his Shah Alam parliamentary seat, which he won in 2013, in the 14th general election on May 9.

In GE14, Khalid won the Shah Alam parliamentary seat polling 55,949 votes to defeat BN's candidate Azhari Saari (22,100 votes) and Mohd Zuhdi Marsuki from PAS (15,194 votes).

Away from his involvement in politics, Khalid who holds a degree in Fuel and Energy Engineering from Leeds University, United Kingdom, began his career at Petronas Dagangan Sdn Bhd for six years from 1980.

Khalid had also served as managing director of two companies, namely Naftamore Sdn Bhd (1987 - 2005) and Techart Technologies (1997 - 1999).

He later became the operating manager of Corroshield Sdn Bhd for three years from 2006.

Married to Dr Zaitun Abu Bakar, the couple isblessed with four children.

--Bernama