Hometown rush: urgent journeys home as voting day approaches

KUALA LUMPUR – The upcoming elections have created a sense of urgency as people rush back to their hometowns to exercise their right to vote.

Among the hundreds of people travelling back to their hometown today is Ahmad Arham Rahimi, 29, who was waiting for the Electric Train Service to go back to Alor Star, Kedah, to cast his vote for the Bukit Pinang seat.

“Many people believe that the state election is not important because it does not affect the federal government. However, I disagree because the outcome of this election will determine the state government, which will aid Kedah’s development.

“As a disabled person, I had to travel outside of Kedah to work, as there are insufficient employment opportunities for the disabled. So, I need a leader who will create job opportunities for special people in the state,” said Arham, who uses a wheelchair.

“I want to see improvements in facilities for the disabled. For example, government and private offices in Kedah are not disabled-friendly. This lack of accessibility creates barriers for disabled individuals, preventing them from entering the workforce and contributing to society

“I hope this issue will be resolved by the next state government,” he told Scoop.

Arham, who has been working as an executive at a bank here for over a year, admitted that he is a fan of Kedah caretaker menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor because of his clear direction and plans to develop Kedah.

He said a lot of young people in Kedah also admire Sanusi because of his bravery in voicing out for the welfare of the people of Kedah.

At the same time, Arham said that the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional coalition has placed old faces as candidates, which has not been well received by the folks in Kedah, citing Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid of BN as an example.

“Nothing would change if Kedah were led by the same people who had previously failed to develop Kedah.

Meanwhile, another individual who only wanted to be known as Teo said it is his responsibility as a Malaysian citizen to exercise his right to vote, even though he does not have any opinion about Malaysian politics.

“I would feel bad if I didn’t go and vote. I informed my employer that I had to go back, and the management approved my leave to travel to my hometown in Kedah and return to KL on Monday.

Polling day for Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan will be held tomorrow, where a total of 245 state seats will be contested. – August 11, 2023