Mahkota polls: Outstation voters also returning for family reunions

Nurakmal Shafiq said returning home to vote was also a good time for a family reunion. – Bernama

KLUANG: Eligible voters for the Mahkota state by-election have travelled home from all over the country and even from Singapore to exercise their voting rights.

Nurakmal Shafiq Norapandi, 28, who works across the Causeway, stated that the expense and time were a small sacrifice and also an opportunity to bring his family back for a holiday.

"I took leave two weeks ago because the date of the by-election was announced well in advance. I decided to bring my family along because many relatives are returning. It's a chance for us to gather, even if briefly.

"But my primary intention is definitely to vote," he told reporters after casting his ballot at the SMK Seri Perdana polling centre on Saturday (Sept 28).

Nurakmal Shafiq said he left Singapore at 7pm last night, stopped briefly in Johor Baru, and arrived in Kluang at about 1am on Saturday (Sept 28).

Also returning to vote were siblings Zahreen Zainal, 48; Mahanun, 39; Mohamad Helmi, 37; Tarmizi Zainal, 29; and Siti Khadijah, 25; who gathered at the SK Kampong Melayu polling centre on Saturday (Sept 28).

Zahreen, who resides in Puchong, Selangor, said she decided to fulfil her civic duty and take the opportunity to reunite with her siblings, something that is not easily accomplished unless there is a special occasion or family gathering.

The second among nine siblings arrived in Kluang on Friday (Sept 27). She emphasised her desire for a government that supports and focuses on the needs of the people, particularly those with disabilities, as she has been a stroke survivor for the past eight years.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Helmi, who lives in Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, Johor Baru, was determined to vote despite using a wheelchair due to a knee injury.

"I'm excited to return to my hometown to vote, and it feels like a reunion with so many siblings coming back," he said.

Siti Khadijah, who works in Kuantan, Pahang, shared that she and her husband took leave to vote, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to gather with their extended family, as some relatives traveled from Malacca, Selangor, and other districts in Johor.

"Every vote counts. That's why we came back to vote," she said. – Bernama