MELAKA: His walking disability did not prevent Sjn Sanip Tukiman from exercising his constitutional right to cast his early ballot for the Melaka polls.

       The traffic police officer said he was happy and proud to be among the 739 police officers who were eligible to vote at the Melaka police contingent headquarters.

       “This is my second time voting here. As a member of the police force, I am honoured that I can still cast my vote,” he told reporters.

       He added that the process went smoothly as it was managed well by the authorities.

       “Many personnel came to help me as soon as I arrived at the early voting centre. I did not have to wait long at all. I would like to thank all those who helped me throughout the process,” said Sanip, 56, who was in a wheelchair.

       He explained that he was involved in a road accident in 2015 while he was on duty as a traffic officer.

       “I was on morning duty when the mishap occurred. I was in a coma for 16 days and my left leg was amputated. I also suffered serious injuries on my right leg, which had four breaks.

       “It was only on the 17th day, when I woke up, that I found out about my left leg. But I am grateful that I can still work in the police force,” added Sanip.

       The voting process at the IPK police headquarters went smoothly with strict enforcement of the SOP.

       Voters were seen observing all the Covid-19 prevention guidelines such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitiser and body temperature screenings as soon as they arrived at the multipurpose hall.

       Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh and Bukit Aman management director Comm Datuk Zaini Jass were among those present to monitor the process.

       Officers and their spouses turned up as early as 7.30am to vote.

       Another police officer, Nur Hidayah Aziz, 30, turned up at the early voting centre at 8.20am.

       “I did not have to wait a long time before getting my chance to vote. I feel relieved that I managed to meet my responsibility as a registered voter. Now I can go back to work,” she added.

       For officer Rozaidee Abd Rahman, 26, his voting process also went without hitch.

       “I arrived at about 7.30am. The EC conducted everything in a professional manner and I applaud them for a job well done,” he said.

       The EC recorded a voter turnout of 89.9% – or 10,390 voters – for the early voting process for the Melaka state polls.