Kota Kinabalu: Senior citizens, including some in their 80s and 90s, led by example in exercising their voting rights despite physical challenges during Saturday’s polling day.
In Kiulu, 92-year-old Kondusu Yangkat, believed to be the oldest voter, came to SK Pekan Kiulu polling centre in a wheelchair with her daughter Christina Lansin, 55, arriving as early as 7am.
The great-grandmother of over 10 great-grandchildren was excited about what she sees as her basic duty.
“I do not remember how many times I have voted, but I have never missed voting at this very same place every polling day,” Kondusu said, adding that election officials gave her excellent service even though she arrived close to 9am.
“The obligation to vote is important because it determines the future of the younger generation to enjoy the facilities that will be provided at all times,” she said.
Christina said voters came early to cast their ballots despite a drizzle.
“Most voters came early to avoid the rain, especially since the heavy rain usually happens in the afternoon. However, some voters has opted to come in the afternoon after church prayers, especially Seventh Day Adventist church members,” she said.
In Sandakan’s Sungai Manila, 77-year-old Painah Padioh and her daughter Sri Wahyunie Bunadi, 45, from Kampung Sungai Batang, Batu 10, reached the Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephen polling centre as early as 7am.
Morning rain did not stop voters from doing their duty at the centre, which was open from 7.30am to 5pm.
Saria Matnoor and her younger sister, Amirah Matnoor, were also among the senior citizens who voted at SMK Elopura, Batu 11, in Sungai Sibuga.
In Penampang’s Moyog at SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin, 86-year-old Okong Moluntang from Kg Guunsing came with her youngest daughter Jennifer.
Despite her age, Okong knew her vote was important and wanted to do her part in choosing the government.
The polling centre was peaceful with no shouting or loud campaigning.
In Tawau, several elderly women in wheelchairs also came out to vote.
Nollaheya Tujaman, 89, who has asthma and uses an electronic trolley at home, was helped by her daughter Kadizah Saleh, 47, to vote at Kolej Vokasional Tawau.
“I feel so enthusiastic and remember the old days every time I go out to vote,” Nollaheya said after casting her ballot.
Despite having trouble walking far and spending most of her time sitting or lying down at home, she was thankful for help from her daughter and election officials.
“If possible, do not let the prices of goods continue to rise, because elderly people like us who do not have a fixed income find it increasingly difficult to buy necessities if prices get more expensive,” she said, sharing her hopes for the new State Government.
Hasnah Samasuddin, 73, also in a wheelchair, said she voted because of her sense of duty as a Sabahan.
“I came out to vote because it is my responsibility as a citizen and I do not want to miss the opportunity to be involved in determining the direction of the new government that will be formed,” she said at the Kolej Vokasional Tawau.
Another voter, Salamah Musa, 68, said she loved voting.
“I enjoy voting and have voted many times, not only at SK Titingan but also other places I have been to vote for Apas,” she said.
“Another purpose of going out to vote is also to see the surroundings outside the house and also make polling day as therapy for myself to find inner peace,” she added.
At the Foo Chow Hall in Luyang, here, many voters came in the afternoon in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Among them was a young woman on crutches who made her way to vote, showing that commitment to voting goes beyond age and physical ability.
