News of Libaran Warisan division chief Aris Malayu’s crash went viral on social media with a video clip of the accident also making the rounds.

With the country going to the polls in less than 24 hours, some Sabahans are suggesting the crash could have been politically motivated.

Sabah police commissioner Ramli Din said Aris’s case should not be linked to politics.

“Refrain from speculating just because the victim was involved in politics as this will cause unease among the public,” he told reporters in Sandakan today.

Ramli said Aris, 56, was sitting at an eatery at Bandar Utama IJM, Sandakan, when a four-wheel drive vehicle, driven by a 61-year-old woman, rammed into him at 9.30am.

It was believed the woman had lost control of the vehicle while attempting to park it.

A team of paramedics arrived at the scene at 10.25am and later confirmed the victim had died. It was believed he died of serious body injuries.

Ramli said police had detained the woman, adding investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Warisan president Shafie Apdal, in sending his condolences to Aris’ family, also urged party supporters not to make any assumptions on the case.

“Let the police investigate and carry out their duties,” he said in a statement to the media.