Warisan’s Libaran division chief killed in freak accident

SANDAKAN: A senior citizen driver accidentally stepped on the accelerator sending her sports utility vehicle (SUV) ploughing into Parti Warisan Sabah’s Libaran division chief, killing him instantly.

Police are urging the public not to speculate on the freak accident involving the 56yearold opposition politician Aris Malayu (pic).

The vehicle struck him while he was having breakfast with a friend outside a restaurant in Bandar Utama here yesterday morning.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Ramli Din said the 61yearold woman had parked her vehicle at a designated spot when she accidentally stepped on the accelerator and lost control of the car.

Aris’ body was sandwiched between the car and a pillar.

It is believed that the Sandakan woman was not under the influence of alcohol, but a blood sample was taken for assessment.

Paramedics pronounced Aris dead at the scene.

Postmortem results showed that he died from broken ribs, which pierced his heart, Comm Ramli said.

He said action would be taken against those spreading fake news that may cause uneasiness leading up to GE14.

Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal extended his condolences to Aris’ family.

He advised supporters against speculating about the accident.

“Let the police do their job and investigate the case,” said Shafie.