MUAR - A senior citizen was determined to exercise her right to vote for the 13th time despite being in a wheelchair during the polling for the Simpang Jeram state by-election today.
In fact, Salmah Amir, 69, was informed by the Election Commission officials that she was the first senior citizen to arrive and one of the first 10 voters at the polling centre at Sekolah Agama Tun Dr Ismail here.
"I have been voting since I was 24 years old. This is the 13th time I have voted, including in the last Johor State Election. I wanted to come early to avoid crowds.
"Today, I came with my daughter as early as 7.30am. Alhamdulillah, I have fulfilled my duty as a Malaysian citizen to elect a representative for this constituency,” she told Bernama when met at the polling centre.
Meanwhile, close friends Yap Chin Yuen and Yeo Jia Hui, both 28, said they were thrilled to be the first two voters at the school.
"We both feel relieved to have fulfilled our responsibility and hope everyone can do the same,” said Yap, who arrived with Yeo at 7.20am.
Sekolah Agama Tun Dr Ismail is the busiest polling centre for Simpang Jeram, with 5,571 eligible voters.
In Johor Bahru, senior citizen Md Amin Anis, 68, was enthusiastic to cast his vote despite needing a cane after a road crash that broke his thigh and back four years ago.
He and his wife, Rosmani Ab Ghani, 65, were among the early voters at Sekolah Agama Bandar.
"I never forget to vote and this time, it was not difficult to make a choice.
"Even though the political landscape has changed, I read a lot, studied and made up my mind to vote for the candidate whom I believe is the best choice for the future of the people and the country,” said the father of seven. - BERNAMA