Barisan candidate breaks his leg in car accident

KUALA PILAH: Just two days into campaigning in the state elections, a candidate got into an accident while driving and broke his leg.

Barisan Nasional’s Jeram Padang candidate Datuk Mohd Zaidy Abdul Kadir’s vehicle skidded along the Jalan Pasir Besar-Palong stretch in Negri Sembilan and crashed into a ditch at 3.25am yesterday.

He suffered a broken leg while his driver, Muhammad Khairul Ahnaf Baharom, is in critical condition.

Mohd Zaidy said he was travelling in the wee hours after meeting with the Barisan machinery in Bahau.

“I made the decision to drive myself as my driver was tired.

“When I reached the Pasir Besar intersection, things were okay at first, but the vehicle later skidded and we landed in a ditch,” he told BK.

He apologised to voters in the Jeram Padang constituency for being unable to meet with them.

“The campaign still goes on, albeit virtually for now. After a few days, I will go back to the ground and may need a wheelchair to meet them,” he said.

Mohd Zaidy is warded at Hospital Jempol while his driver, Muhammad Khairul, is being treated at Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah here.

Tampin OCPD Supt Anuwal Wahab said Mohd Zaidy was driving a 4WD at the time.

He urged eyewitnesses to contact the police at 06-441 2502 or 06-443 1999 to help in investigations under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act.

Meanwhile, Barisan and Pakatan Harapan candidates came to visit their comrade at Hospital Jempol.

Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said although Mohd Zaidy was in stable condition, it would be difficult for him to campaign aggressively now.

“This, however, doesn’t pose a big problem as he can still campaign virtually,” he told reporters after the hospital visit.

DAP’s Teo Kok Seong, who is Pakatan’s candidate in Bahau, found Mohd Zaidy in high spirits when he called on him.

“He also requested I help ensure victory in Jeram Padang and all seats contested by parties in the unity government,” he said.