Despite physical challenges, PGA personnel and pensioners turn out early, urging Sabahans to fulfil their civic duty.
LIBARAN: A strong sense of duty to the nation motivated a member of the 15th Battalion of the General Operations Force (PGA) Sandakan to arrive early to cast his vote, despite being in a wheelchair, for the 17th Sabah State Election.
Today is early voting for the 17th Sabah polls, and Yally Pudon, 56, was already at the Early Voting Centre at the 15th Battalion of the General Operations Force (PDA) Sandakan here to perform his duty when it opened at 8 am.
For Yally, his physical limitations have never been an obstacle to fulfilling his responsibility as a Sabahan. He said showing up to vote was essential to ensuring that his voice is heard in the democratic process.
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“This is our responsibility as the people of Sabah and part of our desire to see the changes we want. We are free to choose the leaders we believe in.
“To all voters, go out early on Nov 29 and fulfil your responsibility,” he said when met at the voting centre.
Sharing his personal story, Yally said he was involved in an accident while returning from duty in 2004.
His knee condition deteriorated since 2018, making mobility increasingly difficult and requiring him to use a wheelchair. Still, Yally said, he has never allowed the situation to dampen his spirit.
Similarly, government pensioner Sarimah Durahman, 59, who came with her husband, a PGA member, believes physical challenges should not stop anyone from carrying out their civic duties.
“As Sabahans, this is our chance to fulfil the trust placed in us. People like me can still vote even if we use wheelchairs.
“So I want to tell voters, especially young people, if I can be here despite my condition, there is no reason for them not to come out and vote,” she said.
PGA 15th Battalion Commanding Officer, Acting Supt Wilynton Enchana Watt, said PGA personnel began gathering as early as 7 am to cast their votes.
“We are hoping for a 100 per cent turnout from all officers, members, and their spouses,” she said.
Meanwhile, Returning Officer for the Gum-Gum, Sungai Manila and Sungai Sibuga state constituencies, Imran Jagong @ Osman, said the early voting process has been smooth so far.
He said that based on records, there are 692 early voters from among the PGA personnel and their spouses for the Gum-Gum constituency, 558 early voters for the Sungai Manila constituency, and 332 voters for the Sungai Sibuga state constituency.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 29 as the polling day for the 17th Sabah polls.
For the latest news on the 17th Sabah election, please visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php. – Bernama
