The Malaysian Insight

THERE is no need for Batu MP P. Prabakaran to relinquish his seat and make way for party leader Tian Chua, said Anwar Ibrahim.

However, the PKR president was quick to add that the issue was yet to be discussed by the party leadership.

“Prabakaran has a mandate from the people and we will have to respect that, while Tian Chua is an important party leader.

“This matter can be discussed within party channels, but it has not been raised yet,” Anwar told reporters after attending a PKR event in Kedah today, adding that he was not prepared to make a call on first-time MP Prabakaran’s future.

“We are not thinking about this now, nor was it a condition from the beginning.

Earlier this week, 14 community groups from Batu asked for Prabakaran to vacate the seat to allow PKR vice-president Tian Chua – full name Chua Tian Chang – to contest a by-election.

The two-term former MP could not defend the seat in the 14th general election after he was barred by the Election Commission (EC) over outstanding court fines.

Last week, a high court ruling overturned the EC’s decision, paving the way for Tian Chua to contest in future polls.

Prabakaran won in Batu last year as an independent with PKR supporting his campaign. He later joined the party.

Last night, he found the rear windshield of his Toyota Vellfire had been pelted with eggs after coming out of a meeting in Jalan Ipoh.

He lodged a police report at Sentul police station. Tian Chua has also condemned the incident.

Previously, he said he would not succumb to pressure to step down, adding that he would continue serving his constituents. – November 16, 2019.