EARLY voters in Sabah displayed remarkable commitment and creativity on polling day, braving persistent rain and morning drizzle to cast their ballots in the 17th general election today.
From folding bicycles to multi-generational family outings, residents demonstrated that civic duty is both a personal and communal affair.
In Bongawan, two longtime friends drew attention when they arrived at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bongawan on folding bicycles.
Rosni Patra, a 43-year-old KAFA teacher, and 43-year-old housewife Hairiah Hunainy Ismail cycled two kilometres from Kampung Seladan to reach the polling centre.
“We rode our bicycles to reduce road congestion and make our journey easier,” said Rosni.
“We came at 8.40am and arrived by 9am. We waited for the rain to ease before heading out. Coincidentally, this school was also our alma mater.” Hairiah added that they, along with another friend, had previously cycled to vote in the last general election, though that friend served as a polling officer this year.
Meanwhile, in Likas, the Panglima sisters exemplified the tradition of family voting. Siti Nurizah Panglima, 38, arrived at SK Likas with her two younger sisters, Siti Norhafizan, 34, and Hazwani, 26, determined to cast their ballots early despite the drizzle.
“We woke up at dawn because the weather yesterday was poor. We hoped it would not rain heavily this morning, so we checked the sky and it looked fine. We left at five to vote,” said Siti Nurizah. She noted that voting had always been a family commitment.
“Every election we will come out to vote. Every year we place our best hopes for Sabah, our homeland. We know the competition among the candidates is always strong. We just want to see who can give the best for our state.”
She also observed the impact of the Undi18 initiative, which has brought more young voters to the polls.
“This time I can see it is different. In previous years, we thought elections were something for older adults. But this time I see many young people, people our age. Alhamdulillah. Maybe there is more awareness now about improving our own state based on the government that will lead us.”
For Jared Abdul Rahman, 39, returning to vote in his childhood constituency alongside his sister Tamar, 36, and their 77-year-old father Nordin was a meaningful family ritual.
“I grew up here in Kampung Likas. This is my third time voting here. Before this I was overseas and voted from there,” he said.
He expressed hope that more young voters would participate, particularly with automatic registration under Undi18.
Jared’s expectations for the next government were pragmatic: “Whether it is a new government or the same one, as long as they do their job. The issues are not just my area but the whole of Sabah—floods, landslides, job opportunities, and economic concerns.”
As Sabah’s voters arrived in diverse ways, from bicycles to family entourages, early signs suggest a day of determined participation, reflecting both the challenges and civic engagement shaping the 17th election. - November 29, 2025
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