Tian Chua: I will endorse another candidate as last resort

GE14 | PKR vice-president Tian Chua said tonight that we will endorse any non-BN candidate for the parliamentary seat of Batu who subscribes to Pakatan Harapan’s agenda of change.

The two-term incumbent clarified, however, that this would only be a last resort if his challenge against the Election Commission’s decision to disqualify him as a candidate for Batu fails.

Earlier today, Tian Chua filed a challenge against his disqualification in court, with a hearing set for Wednesday – exactly a week before polling day on May 9.

But he did not rule out the possibility that the court may not rule in his favour.

"As a last resort, I urge all of you to wait for (my) signal, I will pronounce my support for a party that comes forward to state that they support Harapan, support change and the aspirations of the people in Batu.

"If I cannot contest, I will endorse one of the non-BN candidates anytime, but they must first agree to subsribe to the principles of Harapan and its agenda for change," he added. 

"Anyone who agrees (with the conditions), I am willing endorse them anytime," he said. 

Tian Chua was disqualified on nomination day due to a RM2,000 fine imposed on him in March, although a similar fine in 2010 did not get him ruled out of the 2013 polls. 

As things stand, Batu will see a four-corner fight between BN's Dominic Lau, PAS' Azhar Yahya, former MIC central working committee member VM Panjamothy and law student M Prabakaran. 

Addressing the hundreds who had turned up at a candlelight vigil in his support, Tian Chua was quick to stress that he would not negotiate with any party in exchange for his endorsement, as this would betray the trust of voters.

He also made the crowd promise not to vote for BN in his possible absence.

"Please, promise me, whether I stand in Batu or not, no one vote shall go to BN candidate from you," he urged. 

The PKR leader pledged that his team would continue with its campaign in Batu, though he foresees authorities removing the campaign materials.

As such, he suggested that supporters hang PKR flags in their own homes, which the EC would have no jurisdiction over.

"I need your support to erect PKR's symbol, put up flags and logos in your homes," he said to a loud cheers. 

He also spoke of his deep bond with the people in Batu, since his first, albeit unsuccessful, bid for the seat in 2004.

"I do not treat (being an MP) as my job, but this is my life, my life with the people in Batu as a big family," he added.  -Mkini