First time voter (from left to right) Nur Athirah Mohd Zahid,19, Nur Afiqah Syamimi Mohd Zaidi,19, Hana Humaira Yusrizal,19, Farah Farhana Azhar,19 and Amirah Syakirah Ardeni,19 showing their inked fingers after casting their vote at SK Sungai Duri for N20 Sungai Bakap by-election in Nibong Tebal. (July 6,2024) —ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
NIBONG TEBAL: The excitement was evident on the faces of the first-time voters during the Sungai Bakap state by-election as they cast their votes on Saturday, July 6.
A Bernama survey at the polling centre at SJKC Boon Beng, in Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Simpang Ampat, here, found that most earlycomers were first-time voters.
Form Six student Siti Nur Azwani Azman, 19, said she was ready to go to the polling centre by 7am.
"I'm excited because this is my first time voting. I have been waiting since the announcement of the Sungai Bakap by-election for this day.
"As a young voter, I hope that the elected candidate will be able to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people of Sungai Bakap," said the girl.
Meanwhile, friends Danial Afham Mohd Rizuan and Mohd Alif Iqbal Mohd Sopain, both 19 years old, went together on a motorcycle to the polling centre this morning.
Danial Afham said it is the responsibility of all Malaysians, especially young people like him, to go out to vote.
He said he was initially nervous but relieved that the process went smoothly and thanked the Election Commission workers who helped facilitate the polling.
"I came to the polls today because it is my responsibility to vote. It would be a huge loss if I don’t. It’s my first time voting, and I hope whoever is elected will be able to perform well.
"I hope he will also look into the problem of road potholes because they are dangerous for motorcyclists like me," he added.
Mohd Alif Iqbal said he and Danial Afham had planned to come together to the polling centre as their other friends were voting in other locations.
"My father told me to come (to vote) because it is important for the country’s future. Hopefully, the elected candidate will be able to (do) a good job," he said.
A total of 39,279 voters, including 57 members of the police force, are eligible to vote on Saturday.
The Sungai Bakap state by-election is a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional candidate Nibong Tebal PAS vice-chief Abidin Ismail.
It is held following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff due to stomach inflammation last May 24.
In the Penang State Election last August, Nor Zamri, also Nibong Tebal PAS chief, defeated PH candidate Nurhidayah Che Rose with a majority of 1,563 votes. – Bernama
