PKR vice-president Chua Tian Chang today denied that the newly set up Pertubuhan Daya Masyarakat, which he chairs, will be a political platform for his personal interest.

The former Batu MP, more popularly known by his moniker Tian Chua, said he still remains a rightful member and vice-president of PKR.

“To me, I set up this organisation as we have our own philosophy. It does not go against anyone,” he said after Daya’s launch in Petaling Jaya today.

Chua said Daya will build the people’s resilience by resolving their problems in a concrete manner, especially those economically related post-Covid-19.

The group will also empower the community through skills training and forge closer community ties, he said.

Chua described the setting up of the group in the wake of the country’s political crisis at the end of February as a mere coincidence.

“People are welcomed to compare Daya against other organisations to see how our methodologies differ.

“It is also coincidental that they (other ex-PKR leaders) have set up their respective movements. This does not mean we will join hands to form a new political platform,” Chua added.

Previously, several youth leaders aligned with former party deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali set up Pemuda Negara.

Among those leading the movement are Seberang Jaya rep Afif Bahardin and Gombak Setia rep Hilman Idham, who followed Azmin in quitting PKR.

Chua, who is a known close ally of Azmin, did not follow in their footsteps.

“I am not quitting politics. I am still a PKR member and vice-president. I am just not an MP anymore and I am missing all the excitement in Parliament now.

“If there is a general election I may contest again. But for now, I will expend my energy to generate a momentum in activism that has disappeared.

“I was at the Bersih and anti-ISA (Internal Security Act) demonstrations, and many others. I want to bring the spirit of activism back to life,” he added. – July 25, 2020.