Batu MP Tian Chua fined RM3,000 for insulting cop

PETALING JAYA: Batu MP Tian Chua (pic) risks being disqualified from contesting in the next elections following his conviction and sentence for insulting a police officer using foul words three years ago.

The Sessions Court here fined Tian Chua, whose real name is Chua Tian Chang, RM3,000 in default three months’ jail yesterday, after finding him guilty of the offence.

Under Article 48 of the Federal Constitution, an elected representative is disqualified if he is sentenced to more than 12 months' jail or fined RM2,000 and above.

Tian Chua’s counsel Latheefa Koya later told reporters that they would be appealing against the conviction and sentence.

He paid the fine.

Judge Yasmin Abdul Razak handed down the decision after the prosecution succeeded in establishing a case beyond reasonable doubt against Tian Chua, 54, by the end of the defence case.

Earlier, when pleading for leniency, Latheefa submitted that her client was the Batu MP for more than one term as well as the PKR vice-president.

Latheefa said if the court wished to impose a fine against Tian Chua, the fine should not exceed RM2,000 to avoid her client from being disqualified.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Suhaimi Ibrahim said that Section 509 of the Penal Code provided a maximum of five years in jail or a fine or both.

On Aug 12, 2014, Tian Chua claimed trial to insulting the modesty of Deputy Supt Glenn A. Sinappah at the main entrance of a hotel at 7.45pm on April 14, 2014.