The power of one vote: Malaysians go the extra mile

TAPAH - It is inspiring to see the lengths people will go to for something they truly believe in. For many Malaysians, casting a vote is not just about exercising a democratic right—it is about taking extraordinary steps to shape the future they hope for.

From traveling hundreds of kilometres to staying connected to their roots, voters across the country demonstrate unwavering dedication to their role in democracy.

For 44-year-old engineering inspector K. Sathiavelan, the journey to vote was not just a trip; it was a mission.

Despite working far from his registered constituency, he traveled over 500 kilometres from Johor Bahru to ensure his voice was heard.

"My vote is under my name. Why would I waste it? It’s my right as a Malaysian. I want the best for my country and my people and this is my way of contributing to that," he told Sinar Daily.

Similarly, 39-year-old accounts and ISO auditor S. Valiammah prioritised her vote despite living in Cyberjaya, far from her hometown of Ayer Kuning.

For Valiammah, casting her vote was about staying connected to her roots and contributing her support to the place she grew up in.

"I could have changed my voting address to Cyberjaya—it would have been more convenient. But Ayer Kuning is my hometown, the place I grew up. My family is still here and I want the best for them and the community," she said.

Valiammah’s determination stemmed from her desire to see continuous improvement in her hometown.

"So far, I’ve seen many good changes in this constituency. I’m hopeful for even more progress in the future," she added.

For Malaysians like Sathiavelan and Valiammah, voting is more than a legal right—it is a deeply personal act of hope and connection.

Their journeys served as a reminder that the power of one vote lies in the collective will of a nation determined to chart its own destiny.

Earlier today at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ayer Kuning, elderly voters began arriving at the polling station as early as 7.30am to cast their votes.

Some arrived in wheelchairs, assisted by volunteers who guided them through the process with care and respect. Others, though visibly frail and weak, made their way to the polling booths.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 31,281 eligible registered voters are set to cast their votes at 19 designated polling stations.

The highest segment of voters is the youth group aged 21-40 years, comprising 42.8 per cent, followed by those in their mid-40s to 60s at 31.6 per cent and voters aged 61 and above making up 20.5 per cent. The remaining voters were new voters aged 18-20 years.

The three-cornered contest between Barisan Nasional candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Perikatan Nasional candidate Abd Muhaimin Malek and Parti Sosialis Malaysia candidate Bawani KS makes this by-election not only a testing ground for the contesting parties but also a crucial indicator of political unity within the unity government in Perak.