Despite a torn Achilles tendon, a police sergeant on medical leave fulfils his duty by casting an early ballot in the Johor state election.
JOHOR BAHRU: An Achilles tendon injury sustained while playing sepak takraw last week did not stop a police personnel from carrying out his duty as an early voter in the 16th Johor state election today.
Despite being on a wheelchair and medical leave until July 16, Sergeant Syahrizal Musa, 40, made his way to the early voting centre at the Johor Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) to cast his ballot.
Syahrizal, who is attached to the Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) at the Johor IPK, said his injury was not a reason for him to miss the opportunity to vote.
“Despite my condition, I came from the police quarters in Tampoi with a friend because voting is my responsibility.
“This is the first time I have voted while on a wheelchair. In more than 22 years of service with the police (PDRM), I have never missed voting in any election,” he told reporters when met at the centre.
The Seri Iskandar, Perak native said doctors confirmed that he suffered a minor tear to his Achilles tendon after playing sepak takraw last week.
An active sepak takraw player since young, Syahrizal had also represented the police contingent in several tournaments.
Having joined Johor IPK in 2014 after nine years at the Muar IPD, he hoped more Malaysians would exercise their right to vote to help determine the future of the state and country.
A total of 64 polling centres were opened today for 24,751 early voters, comprising 12,041 Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel and their spouses, and 12,710 Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and General Operations Force (PGA) personnel with their spouses.
The state election sees 172 candidates contesting 56 seats, with polling day for 2.7 million ordinary voters set for Saturday.
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor.
