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103-year-old man votes in Malaysian state election
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Elections & Politics

103-year-old man votes in Malaysian state election

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A 103-year-old man, Kastawi Isa, voted in the state election in Pasir Panjang, Malaysia.
  • Isa, a first-generation Felda settler, expressed excitement about voting at his age and has voted over 10 times.
  • Local leaders highlighted Isa's participation as an inspiration, especially for younger voters, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling civic duty.

At 103 years old, Kastawi Isa remains an active participant in Malaysia's democratic process, casting his vote in the Pasir Panjang state constituency.

I am proud to be able to vote. I prepared early because I was really looking forward to voting this time.

โ€” Kastawi IsaThe 103-year-old voter expressed his excitement and readiness to participate in the election.

Isa, a pioneer settler at Felda Sungai Sayong, expressed his eagerness to vote, stating he prepared early to ensure he arrived before others. "I am proud to be able to vote. I prepared early because I was really looking forward to voting this time," he said. He also noted the ease of the voting process and the helpfulness of the staff, expressing gratitude for his health which allows him to fulfill his duty.

When asked about his secret to longevity, Isa shared that he maintains a simple diet without restrictions or supplements and has no chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. His continued ability to vote at such an advanced age has become a significant point of local pride.

Today we are fortunate to be with the oldest voter in Felda, Johor. I am confident his presence will motivate other voters to come out and vote.

โ€” Shaiful Bahri SidekThe local village chief highlighted the significance of Isa's participation.

The head of Kampung Felda Sungai Sayong, Shaiful Bahri Sidek, emphasized the community's initiative to arrange transportation for Isa. Sidek views Isa's presence not just as a civic duty fulfilled, but as a powerful inspiration, particularly for the youth. "Today we are fortunate to be with the oldest voter in Felda, Johor. I am confident his presence will motivate other voters to come out and vote," he stated. Sidek added, "He is an icon for the residents here. When even at 103 years old he is willing to come and vote, I hope it serves as an example and a spur for young people not to miss the opportunity to fulfill their responsibilities."

He is an icon for the residents here. When even at 103 years old he is willing to come and vote, I hope it serves as an example and a spur for young people not to miss the opportunity to fulfill their responsibilities.

โ€” Shaiful Bahri SidekThe village chief emphasized Isa's role as an inspiration for the community, especially the youth.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.