After calls to step down, Batu MP faces questions on allocation

Nabihah Hamid Nabihah Hamid Updated 4 years ago · Published on 19 Nov 2019 7:00AM · 7 Comments

Some PKR grassroots sources are questioning how Batu MP P. Prabakaran spent his constituency allocations, saying the funds were depleted quickly and there are now only about RM20,000 left. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, November 19, 2019.

FRESH after calls for him to vacate his parliamentary seat, PKR’s Batu MP P. Prabakaran is facing fresh controversy as questions are now being raised on how he had spent the allocation given to his constituency.

Prabakaran has spent the lion’s share of the RM1.5 million allocated but the grassroots are questioning how he had dished out the funds.

A PKR grassroots member told The Malaysian Insight the Batu chapter has reservations about the way the money was disbursed.

“In just a few months, he has spent almost all the money and from what we know, there is just some RM20,000 left. For three months, he was working with us (PKR) but then he went solo.

“We were told that he gave money to mosques and schools but is that true? Is there proof?” said the PKR member who wanted to remain anonymous.

The Malaysian Insight is currently awaiting comments from Prabakaran.

A source from Prabakaran’s office confirmed the figure but claimed the money was spent on the development of Batu.

“Some 39 schools received funding as much as RM10,000 to RM13,000 each. This does not include money given to the poor in the area and some development work for the constituency,” the source, who declined to be named, told The Malaysian Insight.

The source added that the funds were given to the MP by the federal government in February with the condition it must be used by September.

“It will be audited. It has all been accounted for,” he said, dismissing any possibility of abuse of funds.

Checks on Facebook showed Prabakaran actively distributing the funds for his constituency.

PKR strategy director Fahmi Fadzil said Prabakaran is a committed lawmaker.

“He is young but he is committed and knows the problem in his area. He gets his hands dirty. He knows the problems faced by the people,” said the Lembah Pantai MP.

On November 6, the high court ruled that former Batu MP Chua Tian Chang, better known as Tian Chua, is eligible to contest in elections and since then, many have urged Prabakaran to vacate the seat for his predecessor who held the seat for two terms.

Justice Mariana Yahya, in her judgment, agreed with the decisions made by the Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam high courts that the applicant (Chua)’s eligibility and right to contest were not affected by a fine of RM2,000 imposed on him.

According to Mariana, an MP will only lose the right and eligibility to contest if the fine is RM2,001 and above.

Fourteen groups in Batu have urged Prabakaran to quit following the court verdict.

Prabakaran, meanwhile, has vowed to continue serving his constituents despite calls for him to quit.

“I take the calls from these groups in a positive manner, as they only want the best for PKR,” he said.

He denied facing pressure from Chua, who is also PKR vice-president, to step down.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said there is no need for Prabakaran to relinquish his seat and make way for Chua, but was quick to add that the issue was yet to be discussed by the party leadership.

“Prabakaran has a mandate from the people and we will have to respect that, while Tian Chua is an important party leader.

“This matter can be discussed within party channels, but it has not been raised yet,” Anwar said.

Anwar spoke to reporters hours after Prabakaran’s car was pelted with eggs by unknown individuals. Police are investigating the incident. – November 19, 2019.

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Comments

  • If there is by election in BATU, rest assured that Barisan will thrash Pakatan again, even if Tian Chua or Rafizi stands.

    Posted 4 years ago by Aplanaidu Pathanaidu · Reply

  • Politics is an ugly business and PKR has been known to make wrong political moves in the past. In this case it's about what the Batu constituents want, not what the party wants. Remember the R in PKR stands for rakyat after all. And the party infighters should never fail to remember the rakyat in all of this.

    Posted 4 years ago by Gaik Cheng Khoo · Reply

  • PKR must do something quickly and find justice to the people. The anger is looming and soon people will look for alternatives.

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Praba - resign from PKR. Become an Independent. If only to flush out who the uglies are in PKR behind this

    Posted 4 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • For the longest time PKR has 1 sympathy seat in Wan Azizah even though they think they are "taiko" by demanding the lion's share of the seats every election... then the rakyat got fed-up enough to vote in the then opposition... however, winning made them arrogant & gave them delusions of grandeur, as though they have the rakyat eating out of their hands... as their world fall apart in a mere 18 months, they are still living in delusion fighting over what they believe they are entitled to.

    Posted 4 years ago by A Subscriber · Reply

  • This is an unnecessary distraction. The last thing PH needs now is another by-election. The batu api behind the 'step down' claim should patiently wait for the next GE to stake their claim. Until then please disappear and let the present MP perform his duties unhindered.

    Posted 4 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • Dirty politics of Malaysia being displayed for all to see.

    Posted 4 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply