Melaka polls: Syamsinar makes her first vote count despite stroke

MASJID TANAH: A stroke that left her paralysed and dependent on a wheelchair did not dampen 21-year-old Syamsinar Abdullah's determination to cast her vote for the first time in the Melaka election today.

Accompanied by her family, Syamsinar arrived at SK Jeram here about 8.30am, to cast her vote.

For Syamsinar, who was voting in the Tanjung Bidara state constituency, the experience was made all the more special as it marked her first time exercising her right to vote.

"This is my first time voting. I still wanted to come out and vote. I was really excited and enjoyed seeing so many flags," she said when met at the polling centre.

Her father, Abdullah Rahman, 71, said the decision to come out and vote was entirely Syamsinar's own, as she wanted to experience the occasion for herself.

Recounting the incident that changed his daughter's life, Abdullah said Syamsinar suffered a stroke while driving home from her elder sister's house in Alor Gajah last year.

"She was on her way home when she suddenly complained of chest pain.

"She managed to call her sister, who advised her to pull over by the roadside while waiting for me to pick her up.

"However, by the time I arrived, she was already unconscious," he said.

Abdullah said medical examinations revealed bleeding in her brain.

Since then, Syamsinar has been paralysed and relies entirely on her family for assistance with her daily needs.

She also continues to undergo monthly follow-up treatment at the hospital, he said.

Tanjung Bidara is witnessing a straight fight between incumbent Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh of Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan candidate Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri.