THE Batu MP has vowed to continue serving his constituents despite 14 civil society groups calling on him to quit.
P. Prabakaran said reports urging him to give way so that the constituency’s former lawmaker, Chua Tian Chang, can contest and retake the seat will not affect his day-to-day responsibilities.
“I take the calls from these groups in a positive manner, as they only want the best for PKR,” he said in a statement.
He denied facing pressure from PKR vice-president Chua, better known as Tian Chua, to step down.
“Tian Chua is a well-known activist, and I have not been pressured by him to relinquish my post as MP,” said the 23-year-old first-time lawmaker.
Last week, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Chua is eligible to stand in elections.
Justice Mariana Yahya agreed with the Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam High Courts’ decision that Chua’s eligibility and right to contest are not affected by a RM2,000 fine imposed on him.
She said an MP loses the said eligibility and right only when the fine is RM2,001 and above.
Prabakaran said some individuals in the 14 groups want him to step down, and not the organisations themselves.
“I interact with my constituents daily. They really want a passionate young man to help resolve their problems.
“I have organised many programmes and activities. I’m gradually resolving their problems, and I’m able to sort out some of the complex ones faced by voters in the short run.”
He said he is determined to do his best to tackle local issues.
As a PKR member, Prabakaran said he will contribute his energy and efforts for the good of the party, and to realise its agenda.
“I will serve the people in a transparent and fair manner, without leaving them out on the streets.”
Chua, who was a two-term MP, was not allowed to contest the 14th general election last year because of the uncertainty surrounding his eligibility stemming from the RM2,000 fine.
Prabakaran, then a law student, stood as an independent in Batu. He got strong backing from Chua and other Pakatan Harapan leaders.
He won the four-cornered fight for the seat with a 24,438-vote majority over his main rival, Barisan Nasional’s Dominic Lau.
Shortly after his victory, Malaysia’s youngest MP joined PKR.
Batu split on need for by-election
BATU folk are split on whether there should be a by-election in the constituency after a court ruled as invalid former MP Chua Tian Chang’s disqualification as a candidate in last year’s general election.
Several voters told The Malaysian Insight that P. Prabakaran should be allowed to complete his term, saying the 23-year-old first-time lawmaker has proven to be hardworking.
Others, however, said he is too young and that Chua, better known as Tian Chua, would serve constituents more effectively.
Bandar Baru Sentul resident K. Saraswathi believes that Prabakaran is doing a good job and should serve a full term.
“We have seen him taking care of people whose houses burnt down.
“He personally visited the families and ensured that they got homes. He is a hands-on MP.
“We have seen Tian Chua around but only during events. We believe that a by-election is unnecessary and a waste of time,” said the 48-year-old marketing manager.
Last week, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Chua, who was a two-term MP, can contest in elections.
Justice Mariana Yahya agreed with the Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam High Courts’ decision that Chua’s eligibility and right to contest are not affected by a RM2,000 fine imposed on him.
She said an MP loses the said eligibility and right only when the fine is RM2,001 and above.
Chua said he does not want to comment on Batu as he is focusing on tomorrow’s Tg Piai by-election.
Prabakaran, meanwhile, said he will not succumb to pressure to step down, following 14 civil society groups’ call for him to make way for Chua to contest the seat.
Bank executive Marcus Kumar said the MP is ambitious but has not done much for youth in Batu.
“There should be more engagement with youth. What’s lacking are youth programmes.”
Chua would be a more effective lawmaker, said the 37-year-old, adding that Prabakaran should nevertheless serve a full term.
“We voted for him, so let’s give him a chance. At this time, it would be a waste to have a by-election.”
Vincent Yap from Taman Wahyu said Prabakaran is active in the area.
“He actively attends to the problems here and has addressed issues on cleanliness and potholes.”
The 49-year-old property manager said though Chua has the right to make a move for the seat, Prabakaran should be allowed to prove his worth until the 15th general election.
“Why waste money on a by-election? Use the funds to help the people. Senior citizens and single mothers need assistance.”
Abraham Anathakumar, 70, said he had always voted for Chua but was forced to cast his ballot for someone else in GE14.
“Since the elections, we haven’t seen or heard about Prabakaran.
“We’re not sure if he is aware of this, but the road conditions are bad and the issue of potholes must be addressed.”
The Sentul Bahagia resident feels that Chua, as a lawmaker, was more vocal when addressing Batu folk’s issues.
“If we voted for that person, then we must be heard. If there is a by-election, we will vote for Tian Chua. (The MP’s post) should go back to him.”
Freelance public relations practitioner R. Marguerite said the young Prabakaran is inexperienced.
“I’m not saying he can’t do the job but he doesn’t seem to know that it is a mammoth task to take care of the area.
“There are many issues, such as accessibility for the elderly, transportation and safety, that need to be addressed.”
Chua should return as MP as he has a lot of plans for Batu, said the 44-year-old.
“I think a by-election is necessary. If Prabakaran serves a full term, it won’t make any difference because the issues will still be here.”
After Chua was barred from contesting GE14, then law student Parabakaran stood as an independent. He got strong support from the PKR vice-president and other Pakatan Harapan leaders.
Prabakaran won the four-cornered fight for the seat by 24,438 votes over his main rival, Barisan Nasional’s Dominic Lau.
Shortly after the elections, Malaysia’s youngest MP joined PKR.
Praba, no need to resign after all Tian Chua is the already the advisor to the Minister Of Works (the power craze Minister). Tian Chua you should know better. You once was the voice of the reform movement at one time and now you become oblivious with everything surrounding your party.
ReplyDeleteBtw, if you want to compare your status with AI I think you got it wrong. He is the Ketua Umum of PH and will be the next PM by consensus that is why he needed to stand for an election. As for you, Batu people will not miss you (jangan perasan). You can wait it will be for another 3 years not that long.