JASIN: A woman battling stage four colon cancer endured severe pain to cast her vote in Melaka, determined not to miss what could be her final opportunity.
Noraini Md Lajis, 49, was taken by ambulance from her home in Taman Kelubi Damai to the polling centre at SK Seri Lanang in Kampung Kelubi at noon.
Her husband, Samat Majid, 63, arranged the transport through the Malaysian Red Crescent Society’s Bukit Serindit branch to help her fulfil her wish.
For Samat, a retired Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) journalist, the journey was about honouring the wishes of his wife of 22 years, knowing that opportunities to do so were becoming increasingly precious.
“She is actually in a lot of pain. The doctors have told us that medication can no longer treat her condition.
“But she still insisted on going out to vote. She told me she did not want to regret missing the opportunity while she still had the chance,” he told the New Straits Times.
Samat said Noraini had been battling stage four colon cancer for almost a year. The disease was detected only after it had reached an advanced stage.
Despite her deteriorating condition, she remained determined to exercise her right to vote, he said.
He said he could not bring himself to deny her request, despite knowing how physically demanding the journey would be.
“As a husband, I just want to fulfil whatever wishes she has left. Whatever she wants, I will do my best to make it happen.”
Samat struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke about his wife’s determination, occasionally pausing during the telephone interview to compose himself.
“She has always had a strong patriotic spirit. Even in her critical condition, she was willing to go out and vote.
“If someone in her condition can make that effort, why can’t the younger generation, who are healthy, do the same?
“That is the message she wants to send. If you are healthy, what excuse do you have not to vote?” he said.
Samat said preparing Noraini for the journey had been particularly difficult as she needed additional pain relief to endure the trip.
He hoped her determination would encourage healthy voters to appreciate their opportunity to cast their ballots.
“My wife is critically ill, yet she still wants to vote. I hope people who are healthy will appreciate the opportunity they have,” he said.