An aide to Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Asahan candidate was killed in a collision between a car and a lorry in Melaka on Wednesday, just three days before polling day.
The victim, J. Samivel, 62, was also the deputy chief of the Alor Gajah PKR division.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs PH, paid tribute to Samivel in a Facebook post, describing his death as a great loss to the party’s struggle.
“I have received sad news from Melaka. Brother Samivel, the representative of the Harapan candidate for the Asahan state seat, was killed in a road accident this afternoon,” he said.
Anwar said Samivel had served the party for many years and remained committed to its cause.
“My thoughts and prayers, and Azizah’s, are with the late Samivel’s family and fellow comrades. May they be given strength and fortitude in facing this trying ordeal,” he added, referring to his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
The crash occurred along Jalan Pondok Batang at about noon, in front of PH’s main operations room for the Asahan seat, according to the New Straits Times.
Jasin district police chief Superintendent Lee Robert said police received information about the accident at approximately 12.45pm.
Initial information indicated that the car Samivel was travelling in collided with a lorry carrying fruit, according to RTM. Police are investigating the cause of the crash, with further details to be released once investigations establish the full circumstances.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Mohd Hafidzatullah Rashid said the department received an emergency call at 12.22pm.
Rescuers found Samivel trapped in the driver’s seat. He was pronounced dead by Health Ministry personnel before his body was handed over to the police.
His remains were taken to the forensic unit at Jasin Hospital for a post-mortem.
The PH Election Department described his death as a major loss to his family, friends, party members and those who knew him, while acknowledging his contributions and hard work throughout the state election campaign.
Sinar Harian reported that Samivel was among the key figures supporting the campaign of PH’s Asahan candidate, P. Denesh.
Denesh, who was conducting a walkabout and visiting homes in Kampung Jus Permai when he received the news, rushed to the accident scene.
He is contesting against incumbent Asahan assemblyman and Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Dr Fairul Nizam Roslan.
