PKR is not seeking a by-election in Batu for a return of the constituency’s former MP Chua Tian Chang, more commonly known as Tian Chua.

“Tian Chua was at the meeting and we were informed that there are no calls for anyone to make way for a by-election,” PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil told reporters after the political bureau meeting in Parliament this evening.

The federal seat’s current MP, P. Prabakaran, is facing calls to step down after the high court ruled on November 6 that Chua is eligible to contest in elections.

Chua, who was Batu MP for 10 years from 2008 to 2018, was barred from contesting in the 14th general election last year based on a prior court conviction.

The high court ruled that the Election Commission erred in barring him, prompting calls for Prabakaran to vacate the seat.

Fourteen civil society groups in Batu have since called for the 23-year-old MP to step down, while PKR sources who want Chua back in the seat have alleged the young lawmaker had spent almost all of his constituency allocation too soon.

Prabakaran has also had his Toyota Vellfire pelted with eggs by unknown persons.

He has refused to step down, saying his mandate is from voters and intends to complete a full term.

Chua has distanced himself from the calls for Prabakaran to make way. – November 20, 2019.