Election commission chief Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof today quashed speculations swirling around the condition of Kerdau state representative Zaharudin Abu Kassim, who is currently under intensive care at Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah in Temerloh.

"The rumours are not true," he told Malaysiakini in a text message.

Zaharuddin Abu Kassim ADUN kerdau State television station RTM reported earlier this week that the BN state assemblyperson had undergone emergency surgery for an intestinal rupture on May 3, 2010.

He was rushed to hospital that very morning, after he complained of abdominal pains while having breakfast at a local restaurant.

Zaharudin was reported to have emerged from the 3-hour operation in a stable condition.

Pahang exco Hoh Khai Mun also confirmed this afternoon that the Adun is in no danger. "The rumour is not true. His condition is now stable in (the) ICU."

According to Hoh, Zaharudin encountered heart complications following his operation. He added that the Kerdau assemblyperson will be transferred to National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow for further treatment.

First time lucky

The 63-year-old Kerdau assemblyperson won the seat for Umno in the 2008 general election as a first-timer, securing a 1,615 majority over PAS candidate Hassanudin Salim with his total of 4,135.

The constituency comprises 89 percent Malay, 6 percent Chinese, 3.7 percent Indian and 2.5 percent others.

Zaharudin’s critical condition this week sparked rumours this morning about an impending by-election at the constituency.