Slim by-election: Nonagenarian among first to cast ballots

Despite having to use a wheelchair to facilitate his movements and the existence of COVID-19 threat, nonagenarian M. Renggaiyah, the oldest voter in the Slim state constituency is determined to fulfil his responsibility in today’s by-election.

Renggaiyah, 96, who had served under the Home Guard unit against the communists during Emergency, arrived at the Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Trolak polling station in Trolak town near here at about 8.30 am accompanied by his adopted son Mohd Riduan Jalil, 57.

Upon arrival at the polling station, Renggaiyah went through body temperature check at the screening counter in compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Election Commission (EC) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“I have never abandoned the responsibility of voting and as far as I remember I have voted 15 times, including today,” he said when met by reporters after casting his vote.

Despite the fact that his home was located near the polling station, Renggaiyah woke up as early as 5.30 am because he was too excited to cast the vote.

The Slim by-election witness a three-cornered contest between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Mohd Zaidi Aziz and two Independent candidates, namely, lawyer Amir Khusyairi Mohamad Tanusi and former teacher S. Santharasekaran.

Meanwhile, three candidates contesting in the by-election are also seen surveying the voting process today.

Also seen surveying the voting process were UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

-- BERNAMA