ALOR GAJAH: A stroke patient was willing to pay RM200 to hire an ambulance to take him to cast his vote in the Melaka state election.

       Abdul Rahim Yaacob, 57, spent the amount for the services of the St John Ambulance to get him to his Lendu constituency polling station.

       “If we lose one vote, we lose,” he said, adding that he wanted to fulfil his responsibility as a citizen.

       “So, I am eager to vote even though I’m not healthy and it’s difficult to walk,” he added.

       Abdul Rahim, who needed help to get around in his wheelchair, arrived at the polling station at about 8.15am from his home in Kampung Durian Daun.

       Bernama quoted him as saying that the Election Commission staff at the polling centre at SK Durian Daun (K), Masjid Tanah were very helpful.

       He got down from the ambulance with the help of EC staff and healthcare workers.

       “I came from a house, not a hospital, so I couldn’t use a government ambulance,” he told reporters at the Masjid Tanah polling centre.

       He also spent about RM200 for the return trip.