Satok seniors turn out in numbers, leading to temporary wheelchair shortage

 

SARAWAK POLLS | Senior citizens at the Satok Sports Complex polling station were so committed to voting that it exceed the demand for wheelchairs.

With only the standard six wheelchairs provided to every voting centre, some were left waiting in line to use the facility. Election Commission (EC) and People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) volunteers were seen carrying elderly voters onto the wheelchairs.

GPS-PBB candidate Ibrahim Baki was spotted at the entrance of the polling centre and later local GPS party workers donated four extra wheelchairs. 

Ibrahim insisted that the additional wheelchairs were not from him.

Satok is an urban Malay majority constituency in Kuching which was represented for 40 years by incumbent chief minister Abang Johari Openg who decided to move to Gedong for this election.

GPS donates wheelchairs for elderly voters

EC officer Mustapaha Rajali said that to have six wheelchairs was standard.

"We did not expect so many of the elderly to come vote today," he told Malaysiakini.

Senior voter Awang Bolia Hussaini said that he never missed the chance to vote.

"I woke up and prayed before coming to vote. I feel happy," said the retired police officer.

Senior voter Awang Bolia Hussaini getting wheeled into the polling centre

While he was worried about Covid-19, he still wanted to come out to vote, the octogenarian added. 

Satok native Hajijah Ibrahim expressed how she likes coming out to vote.

"I like to do so, even though I can no longer walk," the 86-year-old said.

Her husband Bujang Ayub, 88, said that he was battling knee pain but that would not stop him from casting his ballot either.

"I always vote. It's important to exercise our rights and I enjoy doing it," he added. - Mkini