PETALING JAYA: Former PKR vice-president Chua Tian Chang, better known as Tian Chua, is saddened by the party’s decision to announce his expulsion and that of four other party members via the media.
Chua also said it was disrespectful of PKR Disciplinary Committee chairman Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew to not notify the five regarding their expulsion from the party.
“This very unprofessional act is regrettable and disrespectful. As a Keadilan activist who had witnessed the birth of the movement and engaged in the struggle continuously for more than two decades, I am sad and disappointed with such a decision,” said Chua.
Chua also said his conscience was clear and he had never done anything against the principles or political objectives of PKR.
At the same time, Chua said he was prepared to accept the consequences for contesting in the election without the consent of the party’s leadership.
“I acknowledged that the party needs to maintain organisational discipline,” added Chua.
Nevertheless, Chua noted that in the post-GE15 scenario, rival parties had chosen to declare a truce and cooperate to form a unity government.
“Without disputing the power of the leadership, however, harsh measures to enforce the rules seem to contradict the ethos of reconciliation and inclusivity in the current political environment,” said Chua.
Chua reiterated that he would take responsibility over his actions to contest the Batu parliamentary seat in GE15 as an independent.
“I joined the reformasi struggle from 1998 with the sole motive of bringing democratic changes to this country.
“Today, I am proud to see that all the years of effort are not in vain. I have no regret for every single minute spent in the struggle,” said Chua.
Chua said there were many challenges ahead and he assured that he will not slow down in his struggles for reform in Malaysia.
“I will not retreat from fighting to defend the rights and welfare of the people,” added Chua.
However, Chua did not mention if he will be appealing against PKR’s decision to sack him.
PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said Chua has 14 days to appeal against the decision
On Sunday (Jan 8), Tan said that five leaders, including Chua, were sacked from PKR for standing against the party in GE15 and the Sarawak state election.
The other four were division leaders Puah Chee Haur from Parit Buntar, M. Mohganan from Taiping, Nur Khairunisa Abdullah from Sadong Jaya and Ahmad Tarmizi Ghazali from Gopeng.
Nur Khairunisa stood as a Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) candidate in the Sarawak state election last year, while Mohganan stood in Taiping as an independent candidate in GE15.
Tarmizi and Puah both contested under the Warisan banner in Chenderiang and Keranji, respectively.
