Centenarian cannot wait to vote for 13th time

Othman Daud, fondly referred to as Pak Long, is excited now that the 13th general election is near at hand.

The 100-year-old wants to exercise his right, for the 13th time. He has voted since 1959 when the first general election in the then post-independent Malaya was held.

"God willing, I am not going to miss the opportunity to vote. However, someone has to take me to the polling centre. Otherwise, it will be a little difficult for me," the centenarian told Bernama.

The eldest of 12 siblings is in the best of health though. He was also able to check the electoral roll on a laptop computer.

Othman, a bachelor, is a voter in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency. He also comes within the state seat of Permatang Pasir.

Pak Long lives with two of his sisters, aged 75 and 71, a 44-year-old niece and a 11-year-old grandchild. Othman, who makes it his daily routine to go to the padi field, said he was happy that the country was peaceful and developing.

Asked for his advice for young and new voters, he said: "They are more educated than us. They should be smart enough to think for themselves and consider their options."