The Melaka state election campaign was struck by tragedy after a senior PKR figure and aide to Pakatan Harapan’s Asahan candidate was killed when his car collided with a lorry in Jasin on November 11, just days before polling.
The victim, identified as J. Samivel, 62, was the deputy division chief of PKR in Alor Gajah and served as the representative of PH candidate P. Denesh in the Asahan state constituency.
The fatal collision happened along Jalan Pondok Batang, near the PH campaign operations room for Asahan. Police received information about the accident at approximately 12.45pm.
According to Jasin district police chief Superintendent Lee Robert, initial investigations found that Samivel was travelling from Nyalas towards Asahan while a lorry was moving in the opposite direction.
Police said Samivel attempted to turn right towards the PH operations room when the lorry, which was travelling straight along its lane, was unable to avoid his vehicle. The two vehicles collided.
The lorry driver, a 26-year-old man, was not injured. Police said he was taken for a urine screening test as part of the investigation. Authorities have not announced a final finding on the case.
Rescue Teams Found Samivel Trapped Inside His Car
The Melaka Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 12.22pm. Rescuers who arrived at the scene found Samivel trapped in the driver’s seat.
Health Ministry personnel later confirmed his death before his body was handed over to the police. He was subsequently taken to the forensic unit of Jasin Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
The incident happened outside the main campaign operations centre for the Asahan seat, making the loss especially painful for the local PH campaign team, which was preparing for the final days before polling.
Anwar Ibrahim Pays Tribute to Long-Serving PKR Member
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PKR president and PH chairman, expressed his condolences following news of Samivel’s death.
In a social media tribute, Anwar described Samivel as a loyal party member who had served the movement for many years. He also extended his and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s sympathies to the bereaved family and Samivel’s fellow party members.
The PH Election Department also described his passing as a major loss to his family, friends and the party. It acknowledged his contributions and dedication, particularly his work throughout the Melaka election campaign.
Samivel was regarded as one of the key campaign figures supporting Denesh’s bid for the Asahan seat.
Asahan Candidate Denesh Confirmed Safe After Social Media Confusion
The fatal accident also triggered confusion online, with some circulating messages appearing to suggest that PH candidate P. Denesh had been involved in the crash.
Denesh later assured voters that he was safe and was not the person killed in the collision.
Reports said he had been conducting walkabouts and visiting residents in Kampung Jus Permai when he received news of the accident. He then rushed to the scene.
The clarification was important as the incident unfolded during an intensely watched election campaign, when unverified information could quickly spread among voters and supporters.
Fatal Crash Comes Just Days Before Melaka Polling Day
Samivel’s death came during the final stretch of campaigning for the 16th Melaka state election, with voters scheduled to cast their ballots on Saturday, November 14.
In Asahan, PH candidate P. Denesh is challenging incumbent Barisan Nasional representative Datuk Dr Fairul Nizam Roslan.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the constituency’s campaign activities, with party officials and supporters mourning the loss of a colleague who had been actively involved in the election effort.
The accident also serves as a reminder of the dangers motorists face on roads during busy campaign periods, when candidates, campaign workers and supporters travel frequently between events and communities.
Police have provided an initial account of how the collision occurred, but the investigation remains important in establishing the complete circumstances surrounding the crash.
Related WWC ONE MEDIA Coverage
For additional context on road incidents and election-related developments in Melaka, read WWC ONE MEDIA’s report:
