Tian Chua: I have nothing to do with call for MP's resignation

Former two-term Batu MP Tian Chua has distanced himself from a reported call by 14 NGOs for incumbent MP P Prabakaran to resign and make way for him to recontest the parliament seat in a by-election.

"I have nothing to do with it," the PKR vice-president told Malaysiakini when contacted today.

"I only knew about the suggestion through news reports," said Tian Chua (photo), who was barred from defending his seat due to a previous RM2,000 court fine imposed for insulting a police officer.

Tian Chua had filed a legal challenge against the Election Commission's decision to prevent him from contesting his seat. On Nov 6, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that he was eligible to contest in elections.

Pakatan Harapan had at the time endorsed Prabakaran's candidacy as an Independent candidate and the law student joined PKR after winning the seat.

Malay daily Berita Harian yesterday reported that a coalition of 14 NGOs based in Batu had urged Prabakaran to resign and make way for a by-election.

The group's spokesperson, Mohd Helmie Mohamad Arof, said they believe Tian Chua should be given a chance to return and serve the constituents in Batu.

Tian Chua, however, said while he could understand sentiments of the local NGOs, his only wish was to put on record how the EC had erred in its decision, instead of to push for his return to parliament.

Residents associations deny knowledge of NGO coalition 

Meanwhile, two residents associations in Batu today denied being part of the 14 NGOs.

According to Taman Sentul Jaya Residents Association chairperson, Nasir Baba, the reported statement was made without his knowledge.

"I strongly deny the reported statement. It was made without my knowledge," he said.

"I do not know Mohd Helmie Mohamad Arof, a representative of an NGO from Batu, whose statement dated Nov 13 had gone viral on social media." 

Taman Sentul Jaya Residents Association was named as one of the 14 NGOs but Nasir insisted he had never met or engaged with Mohd Helmie.

Similarly, Beringin PPR project residents association chairperson Abdul Majid Januddin also said he was unaware of the call for Prabakaran to resign.

"We believe there is an irresponsible party that had misused the name of our association," he said, adding that, "We hope that party will not hide behind other people's names."  - Mkini