EC to meet tomorrow to decide on next step for Padang Serai polls

KUALA LUMPUR: The Election Commission (EC) will hold a special meeting tomorrow to set the important dates for the Padang Serai parliamentary seat election.

EC secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak said this was due to the death of Pakatan Harapan candidate M. Karupaiya yesterday.

A statement would be issued after the meeting, he added.

“The EC has received the Writ of Election, which was returned by the returning officer for the constituency, spelling out the facts concerning the death of the candidate,” he said in a statement.

He also said the EC conveyed its condolences to Karupaiya’s family and hoped they would be strong in facing their loss.

News of the death of Karupaiya, 69, was confirmed earlier by Pakatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Karupaiya was fielded to defend the seat in a six-cornered fight against Hamzah Abd Rahman (Pejuang), Datuk C. Sivarraajh (Barisan Nasional), Mohd Bakhri Hashim (Warisan), Datuk Azman Nasrudin (Perikatan Nasional), and Independent candidate Sreanandha Rao in the election on Saturday.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong expressed his condolences to Karupaiya’s family.

“We received the news of Pakatan Harapan’s Padang Serai incumbent M. Karupaiya’s passing with sadness and regret.

“No matter which side we are on, all of us wish to contest the GE without any mishaps or unforeseen circumstances,” Dr Wee posted on Facebook.

He added that as a fellow wakil rakyat (people’s representative), they held mutual respect for each other.

“During the last Dewan Rakyat sitting on Oct 6, I recall Saudara Karupaiya’s kind commendation of MOT’S (the Transport Ministry) amendment to the Road Transport Act 1987.

“May he rest in peace. I hope his family finds the strength and patience to weather this sad time,” Dr Wee added.

Sivarraajh also expressed his condolences to the family.

Kulim district police Chief Supt Mohd Redzuan Salleh said Karupaiya died at Hospital Kulim at 2.27pm.