MELAKA: Traditional Malay attire has been part of Rohani Ahmad Darus’ daily wardrobe for 20 years, and the 72-year-old retiree saw no reason to change his style for polling day in Duyong yesterday.
The retired technician said the habit began two years before he retired, when he started wearing the attire in the evenings.
These days, he wears it all the time.
“I changed how I dress because I want to promote Malay culture and Malaysian culture, so that we do not lose it,” he said when met at a polling station in Duyong.
Rohani, clad in a tanjak (headgear), said he arrived early this time, having turned up late at a previous election.
The arrangements at the polling centre were the same as before, he said, but the process was better.
“This time I came early. It was orderly and the system was good.
“Last time there were some naughty youngsters who gave people the runaround.
“Now it is much better. The youngsters are very disciplined,” he said.
Asked how he felt after voting, Rohani said he had done his part.
“I have fulfilled my responsibility. I am satisfied,” he said.
Rohani has called Duyong home for more than 30 years, since buying a house in Taman Seri Duyong.
Before that, he lived in the town area, which he said came under the old Kubu state seat.
Duyong itself was carved out of the Kubu and Bandar Hilir seats and first contested in 1995.
In the 2021 state election, Duyong was decided by just 200 votes.
