Senior citizens come out early to vote in Melaka

 

A Nathan, the first voter of the day in SJK (C) Chiao Chee, dips his left index finger in indelible ink before casting his ballot for the Asahan seat.

SELANDAR: Many senior citizens woke up bright and early this morning to be among the first voters in line at the SJK(C) Chiao Chee voting centre in Asahan here today.

A Nathan, 66, was the first voter to cast his ballot at the voting station, describing it as an important responsibility he needed to fulfil as a Melakan despite the pandemic.

The furniture shop owner told FMT after he had cast his ballot that he just wanted an assemblyman who would serve the community well.

“Last time, we looked at the flag, but now we look at whether the leader will work for the local community. That’s my choice today, I’m not looking at the party any more,” he said.

Zainon Abu Hassan, 74, was so excited that she had gone to the centre at 7.15am to ask if she could cast her ballot, much to her daughter’s amusement. Zainon returned to the centre to vote after being informed that voting would only begin at 8am.

These elderly women proudly flaunt their ‘inked’ fingers after casting their votes at the SJK(C) Chiao Chee polling station.

The retiree, whose family home is right next to the school, had been looking forward to casting her ballot, telling FMT that she had made it a point to vote for as long as she could remember.

The Asahan native, who now resides in Kuala Lumpur, had returned to Melaka just about a month ago with her daughter’s family after the Election Commission (EC) announced the dates for the state election.

“I always come back to vote. It’s so much fun,” she said candidly.

At Telok Mas, voter Mohamad Shukor said he was initially upset that the election had been called, but accepted that it was his responsibility to come out and cast his ballot.

“My main consideration when voting will be for the best party and the candidate who is standing in the seat.”

Siti Aishah Mohd Shariff after casting her vote.

Another voter, 60-year-old Siti Aishah Mohd Shariff was in a jovial mood when casting her vote, giving the “thumbs up” to reporters outside the polling station.

“I have been voting here for 30 years,” she told FMT.

“At first I was sad and confused over what was happening (the political crisis). But for the sake of the younger generation, I have come out to vote.”

She hoped that whoever was elected to represent Telok Mas would be responsible and not engage in constant politicking.

Siblings Andrew Ng and Audrey Ng, who came all the way from Kuala Lumpur to cast their votes, urged everyone to come out and vote, adding that there was no point in complaining about the problems in the state if they did not use this chance to make their choice.

A 66-year-old, who only wanted to be known as Liew, said the voting process was smooth and it only took her 15 minutes to vote.

She said she wanted to give Pakatan Harapan more time to prove itself as its  administration in Melaka was cut short last year.

Meanwhile, Tan Kim Hock hoped that Melakans would come out and choose a candidate who would serve the people and not be greedy for power.

“We want an assemblyman who is honest, hardworking and is able to serve the community. Doesn’t matter which race or party, as long as they can serve the people,” he said.

As of 10am, the overall voter turnout in Melaka was 7%, according to the EC.  - FMT