Elderly voters and people with disabilities cast ballots in Sabah election despite physical constraints, showing commitment to democratic process.
KOTA KINABALU: Senior citizens and people with disabilities demonstrated remarkable commitment by casting their votes in the 17th Sabah state election despite physical limitations.
Polling centres saw elderly voters arriving as early as 7.30 am accompanied by family members to avoid congestion.
Bainih Kaluk, 74, who uses a wheelchair, received assistance from Election Commission officers to enter the voting channel at Sekolah Kebangsan Serusup in Tuaran.
Rauzaimie Jamlin, 24, a voter with learning disabilities, was accompanied by his father Jamlin Saiteh at the same polling centre.
Jamlin, a 64-year-old private pensioner from Kampung Santing, said this marked the second time he had accompanied his son to vote after the 15th general election in 2022.
“I brought him because of the responsibility of voting, because he is a young person,” Jamlin told Bernama.
“Voting is the voice of the people and this is our responsibility, it must be fulfilled.”
In Papar, approximately 30 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, Yusri Yunos left home at 5.30 am to vote at SK Kawang polling centre.
“I came early because I wanted to be the first to vote here, I arrived at 6 am,” said the 48-year-old.
He expressed hope that the state government could be formed as soon as possible without further delays.
Kinarut Health Clinic worker Halimah Tamin, 51, also hoped the election results would lead to a strong government capable of administering the state effectively. – Bernama
