Freed fisherman happy to cast his vote
SUNGAI BESAR: Freed after 101 days’ detention in Indonesia, Sekinchan fisherman Chua Lee Teck, 46, was happy to carry out his responsibilities as a Malaysian by voting at the parliamentary by-election here today.
Chua and his friend Heng Chee Yong, 29, also from Sekinchan, were released a few days ago.
He was seen casting his vote at Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Sekinchan earlier today.
“I voted for who is close to my heart. They have helped us. It is time to return the favour,” he told reporters in Mandarin at the voting centre without stating the party.
Smiling at reporters present, Chua showed his inked finger while saying he was happy but tired.
Malaysiakini reported earlier that Chua and Heng were seen wearing Barisan Nasional (BN) T-shirts near the voting centre and had been accompanied by Gerakan members, who said the pair had been helping to campaign for the BN after their release.
Chua and Heng were sentenced by Indonesian authorities to two years and four months in prison for allegedly encroaching into Indonesian waters in March. They were freed on June 16, after receiving a pardon from Indonesian president Joko Widodo.
BN politicians highlighted their efforts to bring home the fishermen, with Umno Sungai Besar division chief Jamal Md Yunos taking the spotlight after being criticised for making racial remarks.
SEE ALSO:
Two Sekinchan fishermen freed by Indonesia return home
Putrajaya secures release of fishermen from Indonesia
Post a Comment