PKR vice-president and Batu MP Tian Chua has been found guilty of insulting a police officer's modesty and fined RM3,000, which could see him barred from contesting in the next general election.
Petaling Jaya Sessions Court judge Yasmin Abdul Razak said the court was satisfied that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Tian Chua was charged in August 2014, under Section 509 of the Penal Code, with uttering swear words at police personnel in April the same year.
The words uttered reportedly included "bastard" and "stupid police".
A person convicted under the provision will face maximum of five years' imprisonment or a fine or both.
His position as an MP will now be at stake as he has been fined more than RM2,000. This means if the election is called before he can exhaust the appeal process, he would not be able to defend his seat.
Will remain MP, for now
Article 48 of the Federal Constitution states that an MP is disqualified if he or she is convicted of an offence by a court of law and sentenced prison term of not less than one year or fined not less than RM2,000.
Tian Chua's lawyer Latheefa Koya said they intend to appeal this decision and so for now, Chua would remain the Batu MP.
However, he is will not be able to contest in the next general election unless this court decision is overturned or the sentence reduced in time, Latheefa added.
Speaking to reporters after he paid the fine, Tian Chua said he is not deterred by the court's decision and would continue to fight for justice and reforms in the country.
"For now, I will continue to serve as an MP, even though this fine exceeds RM2,000, but I have lost my qualification to contest in the coming election.
"My lawyer has informed the court that we will appeal as soon as possible," Tian Chua added.- Mkini
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