Jalur Gemilang on his wheelchair: 70-year-old defies hip injury to cast ballot in Melaka

Yusof Taib, who has relied on a wheelchair for the past 16 years, was among the voters who turned out to cast their ballots at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Datuk Palembang in Bukit Baru November 14, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 14 Nov 2026 12:05 PM MYT

MELAKA, Nov 14 — A hip injury that left him unable to stand did little to dampen the determination of a 70-year-old man to exercise his democratic right in the Bukit Katil state constituency today.

Yusof Taib, who has relied on a wheelchair for the past 16 years, was among the voters who turned out to cast their ballots at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Datuk Palembang in Bukit Baru.

With the Jalur Gemilang draped over the back of his wheelchair, the Melaka native completed the voting process at about 8 am.

Several members of the media later lent him a helping hand, accompanying him back to his home in nearby Lorong Kaloi.

Yusof also urged all eligible voters to fulfil their civic duty and play their part in determining Melaka’s future.

“Everyone should exercise their right to vote and play their part in choosing the best leaders for Melaka,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the elected leaders would bring greater progress to the state while continuing to safeguard the welfare of its people.

The Kampung Paya Ikan native said a fall about 16 years ago left him with a hip injury that required the insertion of two metal rods and eight screws, rendering him unable to stand and reliant on a wheelchair ever since.

Get the latest news on the 16th Melaka State Election at https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/. — Bernama