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.

“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. – November 15, 2019.