PAKATAN Harapan’s (PH) Padang Serai candidate M. Karupaiya has died after being in hospital for three days.

This is the first time a candidate has died during a general election (GE).

PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil confirmed Karupaiya’s death this afternoon.

Fahmi said PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will soon release a statement on the matter.

Saifuddin, who also confirmed Karupaiya’s death in a statement, and said the last time he had met Karupaiya was during a ceramah in Kulim on Monday, which was also attended by PH chairman and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Karupaiya was a retired army man and also Padang Serai PKR chief, and said his death is a huge loss for the party.

The incumbent was reportedly hospitalised three days ago, and was in a six-cornered fight for the Padang Serai seat.

He would have faced C. Sivarraajh (Barisan Nasional), Azman Nasrudin (Perikatan Nasional), Hamzah Abd Rahman (Pejuang), Mohd Bakhri Hashim (Warisan) and Sreanandha Rao (Independent).

The Election Commission is expected to issue a statement later today on the matter of polling in Padang Serai following Karupaiya’s death.

The 69-year-old won the Padang Serai seat in the 2018 GE after defeating MCA’s Leong Yong Kong and PAS’ Sobri Osman.

Social media users also paid their respects to the lawmaker. 

@dharshinee_sk tweeted: “Deepest condolences to the family of a true fighter, M Karupaiya.”

Fellow PKR member @NoorAminAhmad tweeted: “We often come home late together because we are in the hall until we finish. I will always remember Karupaiya as a simple, diligent and friendly friend.” 

And @taufiqjohari tweeted: “Be informed, we have lost a person who did a lot of service to the people and the country who has left us forever. Greetings my condolences to the family of Mr. M. Karupaiya. Rest In Peace. Wishing you comfort and peace.”

@tan keng liang meanwhile said: “Deepest condolences to the family of the late Harapan candidate M Karupaiya #rip.” – November 16, 2022.