PM, wife concerned about ex-driver's health

BUKIT GANTANG - Although Saleh Ibrahim Kamarudin is no longer their chauffeur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are still very concerned about his health.

Wan Azizah has contacted the local leader where the 58-year-old man lives when she received the news about him suffering from diabetes and stroke.

Perak PKR leadership council (MPN) vice-chairman Muhamad Arafat Varisai Mahamad said the prime minister’s wife had contacted him to send help to Saleh Ibrahim.

"Saleh Ibrahim is living alone in a small room next to the house of his elder brother Abdul Mutalib and his wife," he told reporters when met at Abdul Mutalib's house in Kampung Cheh today.

Muhamad Arafat said Anwar also contacted him and donated cash and medical aid to Saleh Ibrahim, who was the second driver of the prime minister and his family for 11 years since 2004.

Muhamad Arafat said Saleh Ibrahim would be sent to the Seri Kenangan Old Folks Home in Taiping to facilitate his care as the man was never married.

He said further discussions were being held with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to clarify whether or not Saleh Ibrahim's expenses during his stay at the home would be borne by the government.

"If not, we will bear the expenses on behalf of the prime minister," he added. - BERNAMA