JELEBU: A 92-year-old senior citizen was among the earliest voters to cast his ballot in the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election for the Chennah state constituency on Saturday (Aug 1).
Daud Johan and his wife, Besar Md Sahat, 86, arrived at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Teriang Hilir polling centre in Simpang Durian at about 9.50am, accompanied by several of their children and grandchildren who were also voting at the same centre.
The retired Survey and Mapping Department employee expressed his gratitude and joy at still being able to exercise his responsibility as a voter despite his advanced age.
"Alhamdulillah, I am grateful. Allah has blessed us with longevity, allowing my wife and me to come out and vote today. We have always voted whenever there is an election because it is our responsibility as citizens, and I have reminded my children and grandchildren to do the same.
"I am no longer as strong as before and need a walking stick, but Alhamdulillah, my children and grandchildren returned and brought us here today. Although many of my children work in Kuala Lumpur, they still vote here. It is heartwarming whenever they return to their hometown," he told Bernama after casting his vote.
The couple, who are originally from Ramuan China Kechil and Paya Rumput in Melaka, had previously lived in several states, including Kelantan and Kedah, due to work commitments before settling in Negeri Sembilan in 1963.
Meanwhile, Bernama Assistant Editor Erda Khursyiah Basir, the couple's granddaughter, said her grandfather and grandmother still follow current affairs closely and often discuss the latest developments whenever she returns to their hometown.
"Although Grandpa is 92, his memory is still sharp. He continues to watch the news on television despite experiencing some hearing difficulties. Whenever we discuss something with him, he remembers it and can even remind us of specific dates related to certain matters.
"Grandma is the same. She remains active by growing vegetables in the garden and cannot sit idle. Alhamdulillah, both of them have been blessed with good health and longevity. They experience the usual aches and pains of old age, but thankfully they do not suffer from any chronic illnesses," she said.
The couple, who married in 1954, have been together for 72 years and are blessed with 10 children, 40 grandchildren and more than 30 great-grandchildren.
The Chennah state constituency is witnessing a straight fight between DAP Secretary-General and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, representing Pakatan Harapan, and Barisan Nasional candidate Siow Kong Choon. – Bernama
