No lines, light drizzle in Kuching as voting kicks off at a slow pace

KUCHING:

Only a handful of voters were waiting for the SMK Kuching High polling centre to open before voting began at 7.30am this morning, as gloomy skies set the stage for a slow turnout of voters here in Padungan.

Most of those in line early on were older folk, but once the gates opened, there was no longer any queue to enter the polling centre.

The only minor commotion at the centre was when one voter was stopped by polling agents for carrying a piece of paper bearing a party logo.

One voter, Muhammad Nazrul Nizam, had come straight from his night shift as a security guard at the Kuching International Airport.

Nazrul, 41, said he wanted to vote straight away, despite an arduous night of work, as it was incumbent on him to fulfill his responsibility as a voter.

“It’s irresponsible for some to choose not to vote for anyone. Like it or not, voting is a must,” he said, referring to those who might decide not to cast their ballots in this elections.

“Honestly, all politicians are mostly the same with just a little difference. But we must still vote,” said the Iban voter, who also expressed his confidence in the voting process and the SOPs in place.

Chong Joon Soon, 66, says he would have preferred if the election was held later because of Covid-19 concerns.

Another voter, Chong Joon Soon, 66, said he would have preferred if the election was held later because of Covid-19 concerns.

“But since it is happening now, I came to vote. It is our responsibility as voters.

“I’m not scared today, I’m wearing two masks.”

Meanwhile, at the Kompleks Sukan Satok polling centre, there were also no lines shortly after the gates opened.

Many voters were in high spirits despite the gloomy weather and slight drizzle.

Mohammad Bahrin Mokhtar, 62, was first in line to vote at Kompleks Sukan Satok.

Mohammad Bahrin Mokhtar, the first in line to vote, said he was excited to cast his ballot, adding that he had arrived 30 minutes before the gates opened.

“I woke up at 5am today and wanted to be the first person to arrive,” he told FMT.

The 62-year-old pensioner hoped that the current government would be maintained as he wanted to see a continuation of the development that is taking place in his area.

“There is also a need for political stability,” he said.

Also in Satok, Awang Bolia Husaini, 83, came out to vote despite not being able to walk, saying nothing could stop him from voting.

The former General Operations Force officer said he felt happy knowing that he could still fulfill his obligation as a citizen.

“So far I have never missed an election. Despite being a little worried about Covid-19, I still have a moral duty to vote,” he told FMT.

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No lines, light drizzle in Kuching as voting kicks off at a slow pace

Voters, some who showed up to 30 minutes before polling centres opened, say it is an important responsibility to vote.