Festive atmosphere for family on polling day

Doing their duty: (From left) Tengku Saadiah Tengku Mat Jewa, Mohd Fadhlullah, Nor Arbaena and Roslan after casting their votes at SK Raja Perempuan Muzwin in Kuala Kangsar.

KUALA KANGSAR: It is only two weeks into Ramadan but for Nor Arbaena Shaharuddin and her family, it was as if Hari Raya had come early.

Polling day saw the 55-year-old, her husband Roslan Mohd Daud, 56, and son Mohd Fadhlullah, 26, meeting many friends and relatives as they gathered to cast ballots at SK Raja Perempuan Muzwin.

“It’s like Hari Raya Aidilfitri. I met many of my friends and relatives here as they came from various parts of the country to vote in their hometown,” she said.

Her husband, who voted in Kelan­tan in the past before switching to Kuala Kangsar, described the by-election here as the best he has seen.

“We expected a one-on-one contest, but it became a four-cornered fight. But the ceramah and functions have been peaceful,” Roslan said.

“Our previous parliamentarian was a really nice man. He was friendly and worked hard for the people of Kuala Kangsar,” he said.

The MP, Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, was killed in a helicopter crash, leading to the by-election.

Mohd Fadhlullah, a first time voter, said he felt very relieved after casting his ballot.

“As a youth, the winner should listen to us and work honestly,” he said, adding that he drove from Ipoh at about 7am to get to the polling station.

It was also a family outing for Zainab Hassan, 84, who showed up with daughter Zahratul Ulla Dir, 48.

Zainab, who cannot recall how many times she has voted, said she has been voting in the constituency her entire life, adding “I have seen six sultans come and go.”

“I want the candidate to be fair and just, and to look out for the welfare of the people ,” she added.