Dewan Rakyat Speaker says Tian Chua remains Batu MP

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has ruled that PKR vice-president Tian Chua Chang will remain as the Member of Parliament for Batu.

In his ruling Thursday, Pandikar Amin said he had received the grounds of judgement from the Kuala Lumpur High Court in relation to the appeal made by the Batu MP against his conviction under Section 332 of the Penal Code.

Chua was convicted two years ago for biting a police constable.

He was initially sentenced to six months' jail and RM3,000 fine but had the sentence reduced to a RM2,000 fine upon appeal to the High Court last year.

Pandikar Amin said the judge, in his written judgement, said the Chua would not lose his position as Batu MP as he would only automatically lose the position if he was fined for an amount of RM2001 and above.

"The judge stated that the penalty imposed on the Batu MP should not give way for a by-election in the Batu constituency," said Pandikar Amin.

He said the Parliament must uphold the decision of the High Court in accordance with the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution.

"Therefore, the Batu MP will remain as a Member of Parliament," he said.

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