Sabah election: Returning to neighbourhood polling centre reminds voter of family’s community ties

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 29): For Jared Abdul Rahman, returning to his neighbourhood polling centre in Kampung Likas this morning was a reminder of how deeply rooted his family is in the community he grew up in.

The 39-year-old arrived at SK Likas with his sister Tamar Abdul Rahman, 36, and their 77-year-old father Nordin.

Jared said this was his third time voting in the constituency after previously casting his ballot from abroad.

“I grew up here in Kampung Likas. This is my third time voting here. Before this I was overseas and voted from there,” he said.

He hoped to see more young voters turn out later in the day, especially with automatic registration under Undi18, although the morning drizzle made it hard to gauge early numbers.

“It is still early and it is raining so I cannot tell yet. But I hope there will be many young voters this time,” he said.

Jared said his expectations for the next state government are simple.

“Whether it is a new government or the same one, as long as they do their job,” he said.

He added that Sabah’s challenges were widely shared across the state.

“It is not just my area but the whole of Sabah. The issues are the same everywhere.

“It is not only floods and landslides but also job opportunities and economic concerns,” he said.

Jared, whose mother is Australian, was born in Luyang and grew up in Nordin’s village of Kampung Likas as the fourth of five siblings.

He said voting alongside his sister and father has always felt like a meaningful family routine.