First-time voters excited to make their voices heard

Ink proof: Rhema (centre) and her siblings Reca (right) and Roby showing their inked fingers after casting their votes.

JOHOR BARU: Election day was a special occasion for 22-year-old twin sisters Fatin Ameyra Anastasha Narimusa and Fatin Adreyna Anastasha, who dressed up for their first day at the polls.

Fatin Ameyra arrived at the polling centre for the Puteri Wangsa state constituency in a pink oversized jacket while Fatin Adreyna wore a bold leopard print tee.

Fatin Ameyra said having her sister with her made her feel less nervous while waiting to cast her ballot.

“We had been exposed to politics from a young age as our parents and relatives are actively involved in political parties,” said the marketing and sales executive when met at Sekolah Agama Taman Puteri Wangsa here yesterday.

Fatin Adreyna said she hoped the winning candidate would not forget the people’s mandate and remain approachable.

“The elected representative should also get to work immediately to ensure the people’s welfare is taken care of,” she said.

She added that she was impressed by the smooth voting process.

At the Perling state constituency, insurance adviser Rhema Seng said she almost missed her chance to cast her vote for the first time due to an allergic reaction the night before.

The 22-year-old said she tried a squid dish during a family dinner and developed a bad rash all over her body.

Sisters at the polls: Fatin Ameyra (right) and Fatin Adreyna made their voting debut at Sekolah Agama Taman Puteri Wangsa.

“They rushed me to the hospital at around 1am where I stayed for about four hours to receive medical attention and put under observation – I was worried that I might have to be warded.

“Thankfully, the doctor allowed me to go home after my condition improved.

“I slept for a few hours before getting up and heading out to vote as I was anxious about missing my chance,” she said, adding that she trembled with excitement as she marked her ballot paper.

Rhema said she voted at the SK Kampung Pasir polling centre with her siblings Reca, 26, and Roby, 28, who were also first-time voters.

She added that they researched each of the three candidates and listened to their ceramah before comparing notes and deciding on their choice.

Wheelchair-bound Pah Ah Moi, 74, and her husband Mong Kau, 88, insisted on showing up early at the polling centre to cast their ballots, despite both having difficulty walking.

“We came by ourselves as we decided to let our son, who was still sleeping as it was his day off, rest at home.

“We hope our votes will translate to the state’s development as we want the next generation to have a better quality of life,” said Pah, who is originally from Kelantan but moved to Johor Baru about 10 years ago.