PASIR PUTEH: A deaf and mute couple seized the opportunity to vote early at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sungai Petai, Semerak voting centre, here today.
The couple, Shaari Sidik, 51, and Saridah Mamat, 49, from Kampung Pulai Lima, here, voted at 9am, accompanied by their second child, Siti Nor Atikah, 24.
Shaari said this was their fourth time voting in a general election, and they came early to avoid problems.
He added that the voting process in the morning went smoothly because there were not many people yet, and there were various facilities for people with disabilities like him to help them cast their votes.
“I am thankful to be granted the same rights as others to vote in the general election.
“Never have we been sidelined by the authorities. We receive various aids, including a monthly RM300 handout from the Welfare Department.
“We are happy, it feels like Aidilfitri today. People looked all very excited, as they came to vote early in the morning,” he said, using sign languages interpreted by Siti Nor Atikah.
Meanwhile Jusoh Mamat, 82, said he gets excited every time he goes to vote. Today, he woke up at 3am.
Suffering from a nerve disorder since five years ago and wheelchair-bound, Jusoh was accompanied by former penghulu of Pulau Lima, Sidek Mamat, 68, who took him to the voting centre.
“This is my 14th time voting. Each time, I did not sleep, as I would perform the solat hajat and pray for the victory of my beloved leader.
“Although I am not able to walk, the desire to vote surpasses everything when I reached the school compound at 8am,” he added.