Ayer Kuning: A housewife who is still in confinement made the effort to cast her vote today at the early voting centre for the Ayer Kuning state by-election. Surya Mat, 40, who was in a wheelchair and carried her 32-day-old baby boy, was assisted by Election Commission (EC) officers and brought to the early voting centre at the Senior Officers’ Recreation Hall, Battalion 3 of the General Operations Force (GOF) here at 8.40 am.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Surya expressed her commitment to fulfilling her responsibility as a registered voter despite her confinement. She shared that this was her third time voting in the 17 years she has lived at the GOF 3rd Battalion.
Meanwhile, Corporal Mahamat Udin, 59, also participated in the early voting process, despite mobility challenges due to an accident six years ago. Using a wheelchair, he expressed his determination to fulfil his duty as a voter, anticipating this might be his last opportunity while still in service, as he approaches mandatory retirement in September after nearly 40 years with the police force. This marked his first experience voting physically, having previously voted by post.
Two young policemen, Constable Muhammad Zaid Muhamad Zaidi, 20, and Constable Muhammad Azizie Haqqiem Azman, 22, were thrilled to cast their votes for the first time at the early voting centre at Dewan Anggerik, Tapah district police headquarters’ Residential Complex. Muhammad Zaid described the experience as fulfilling and a deep responsibility towards the country. Muhammad Azizie admitted feeling nervous but was eager to participate.
The early voting process today at the two centres involved 500 police personnel and their spouses. The Ayer Kuning state by-election, scheduled for this Saturday, will feature a three-way contest between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek, and Bawani KS from Parti Sosialis. The by-election is being held following the death of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, on Feb 22.