Early voters hope to set example to children, youth
RANTAU: Even before the polling center at Chung Hua Chinese National School (SJKC) opens, many voters are already waiting outside the school gates to fulfill their responsibilities."
"One of them is Abdul Rahim Mohd Taib, 68 years old and father of five children.
"According to him, he came early to set an example, not only for his children but also for the youth and villagers.
"I've been eagerly looking forward to voting since yesterday. Even today, after the Fajr prayer, I went to have breakfast at a nearby shop and came here right after.
"At 7:30, I was already in line in front of the school. I was also one of the earliest to finish voting here. After this, I'm going back to encourage my child to come out and vote as well."
"We can't leave the house together because no one will be there to look after it," he told Astro Awani.
Not just Rahim, Asmira Maisarah Mohd Syukri, 19, also arrived early to fulfill her duty.
“Today I arrived much earlier compared to the previous election which was around 10 in the morning," she said.
Chua Yung Kang, an early voter at SJKC Chung Hua, was also not left behind. He stood in front of the school gate as early as 7 in the morning.
Yung Kang mentioned that he chose to be an early voter because he needed to head to work after voting.
"I work in Balakong, which is an hour's journey from here. That's why I came early.
Also, when arriving early, it's more peaceful and not too crowded. I'm also concerned since the Covid-19 situation is still ongoing,” 38-year-old Chua said.
There was a one-on-one clash between the Rantau State Legislative Assembly seat incumbent from Barisan Nasional, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and the candidate from Perikatan Nasional, Rozmal Malakan.
On Apr 13, 2019, the Election Commission announced Mohamad as the winner of the Rantau by-election with 10,397 votes.
Mohamad won with a majority of 4,510 votes, defeating his main opponent, Dr. S Streram from Pakatan Harapan, who garnered 5,887 votes. - AWANI
