Physical and learning challenges do not deter Johor’s disabled voters from casting their ballots in the state election, proving every vote counts.
JOHOR BAHRU: Physical limitations and learning challenges are no barrier for persons with disabilities in Johor to step up and fulfill their duty as voters in the 16th state election today.
The presence of these special voters at polling centres across Johor not only reflects the maturity of the state’s democracy, but also proves that every vote counts, regardless of one’s physical or cognitive limitations.
In MERSING, the viral power of social media campaigns emerged as a key factor driving young disabled voter Fatin Farhan Fauzan Zainuddin, 27, to cast his ballot for the second time.
The product designer from Kampung Makam said that broad exposure on platforms like TikTok has made it easier for young people to access information, boosting their enthusiasm to participate in the democratic process.
“I’ve seen so many campaigns and information on social media, especially TikTok, so I felt much more interested in following the election and coming out to vote compared to before,” he told reporters at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Pantai polling centre.
Fatin Farhan also praised the disabled-friendly facilities provided by the Election Commission. He also expressed hope that employment opportunities and community engagement for persons with disabilities would continue to be strengthened.
Meanwhile, in MUAR, a mother’s determination to guide her special-needs child through the voting experience caught attention at the Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Limbong polling centre in Parit Jawa.
Rosidah Ahmad said she deliberately woke her 22-year-old son, Muhammad Taufeq Zamri, who has a learning disability, early in the morning to ensure he would not miss the chance to have his say as a Johorean for the Sungai Balang state seat.
“Even before coming, we taught him how to go through the process, even though this is his second time voting. He was happy and excited, especially when his finger was dipped in the indelible ink,” she told Bernama.
Rosidah, who lives in Parit Tarom, said she was determined not to miss the opportunity to bring her son to vote, despite the heavy rain since about 5 am.
Over in KULAI, Lia Isabella Iskandar Nain, 20, proved that her cerebral palsy was no barrier to casting her vote for the first time.
Her caregiver, Salihaton Awang, 52, said the cheerful young woman, fondly called Bella, had already shown tremendous enthusiasm as soon as she spotted the rows of political party flags around her neighbourhood in Taman Muhibbah.
“Right from the start, Bella was really eager to vote. She was getting ready at home because she couldn’t wait to come to the polling centre and fulfill her duty as a citizen.
“Her mother asked me to bring Bella here to vote because she was working. I’ll be casting my own vote shortly,” said Salihaton, who also lives in Taman Muhibbah, Kulai.
That same fighting spirit was also shown by senior citizen Ong Pung Kee, 70, a one-hand amputee who still turned up to carry out his responsibility at the Sekolah Agama Jalan Dahlia polling centre in Johor Bahru.
The polling process, involving 2.6 million registered voters, is scheduled to run until 6 pm this evening, following the end of the 14-day campaigning period.
