KUCHING – Sarawak’s 12th election commenced in the hot seats around the city, here as well as the southern region of the state under cloudy skies.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department had reported sunny skies in the early part of the day, with rain towards the afternoon as voting centres are set to close at 5.30pm.
Batu Kawah DAP candidate Dr Kelvin Yii cast his vote at SJK(C) Stampin when the poll counters opened at 7.30am.
He told The Vibes that while the weather was fine at the time, voters are encouraged to come out early to vote, bearing in mind the weather department’s forecast that it might rain towards noon.
“So far everything went well. The voter turnout in Batu Kawah was very encouraging, as many voters turned early, seemingly enthusiastic to accomplish their duty as citizens.
“I do encourage voters to come out and vote early for the future of Sarawak and make their voices heard,” he added.
Dr Yii is facing Sarawak United Peoples’ Party supremo Dr Sim Kui Hian in a four-cornered fight in the constituency, dubbed as a “local derby” that will largely draw the attention of the media and polls watchers.
Besides Dr Sim and Dr Yii, the seat will also be contested by Chai Kueh Khun from Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Fong Pau Teck from Parti Aspirasi.
At the Stakan constituency’s Kampung Quop polling district, Marilyn Joseph turned up early to cast her vote.
The early childhood educator at Tadika Rhema was eager to cast her vote and turned up even before the counters opened at 7.30am.
“It is my right to vote in the new government, and I am glad I accomplished my citizen’s duty. I encourage all eligible voters to come out to vote early.
“The weather is fine so far, and the EC (Election Commission) officers were very helpful,” she added.
DAP’s Stakan candidate Leslie Ting told The Vibes that the weather was very favourable for today’s voting day.
“The turnout started to pick up an hour after the polling station opened. This is very encouraging.
“I cast my vote at Dewan Kampung Stakan and the pace is picking up now,” he added.
Meanwhile, DAP’s Bukit Assek candidate Irene Chang cast her vote at SJK(C) Guong Ann in Saluran 4, Pelawan.
She said all went well despite the heavy rain when the counters opened and voter turnout was very good.
“The rain is now subsiding and I hope the voters will stream in, in large numbers to accomplish their right to choose their government.
“I hope all goes well for the EC in carrying out the electoral process smoothly.”
Polling day will see 349 candidates seeking the people’s mandate from a pool of 1.25 million registered voters, with all 82 constituencies embroiled in multi-cornered clashes.
Meanwhile, as at 11am, the overall voter turnout was 32%, according to the EC in its updates. – The Vibes, December 18, 2021
Additional reporting by Stephen Then
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