"I'm Sorry Anwar" – Tian Chua Apologises For Running As Independent Against PKR
The former PKR vice president was immediately fired from his position once he threw his hat in the ring.
By Jasmine Chea — 08 Nov 2022, 09:15 AM — Updated about 2 years ago
Former PKR vice-president Chua Tian Chang, better known as Tian Chua, has issued a public apology to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Tian Chua had nominated himself as an independent candidate for the Batu parliamentary seat on nomination day, Saturday, 5 November, in the 15th General Election (GE15), which caused a rift in his relationship with PKR.
According to Berita Harian, Tian Chua has said that he accepts any disciplinary action PKR has for him.
"I have to respect the president's decisions, and I understand his [Anwar's] dilemma. He had to carry out his responsibilities as president by abiding by party rules. I just want to serve Batu as its elected representative again. I completely understand his frustration, and I'm sorry for having to do something that saddens him," Tian Chua said.
While the Batu candidate acknowledged Anwar's disappointment, Tian Chua has said that his relationship with the PKR president will not be affected and the two politicians will remain close friends.
"I would like to emphasise that my friendship with Anwar will not change in the slightest, even if it is influenced by current political events. I still respect and appreciate his sacrifice as a leader, and wish him success in GE15," the Batu candidate told Berita Harian reporters on Sunday, 6 November.
Apologies from Tian Chua to Anwar Ibrahim after contesting Batu seat as an independent.
Image via Azhar Ramli/NSTPAs per the party's policy, Tian Chua was sacked from his position as vice president after he chose to contest as an independent
"It is unfortunate he has chosen this path. He has been a dedicated reformist, and I don’t think this is what a reformist should do. So we have to take the necessary action," Anwar told The Star reporters.
The PKR president also described Tian Chua as "turning his back" on the party and said that this is a "dead end" for his political career.
Aside from Anwar, PKR-nominated Batu candidate P Prabakaran has also expressed his disappointment in Tian Chua's decision
According to a report by Malay Mail, Prabakaran labelled his predecessor's actions as "selfish".
"When we talk about Pakatan Harapan taking over the government, he cares more about himself... I feel disappointed at his selfishness," he said to reporters before entering the nomination centre.
Prabakaran feels disappointed in Tian Chua's actions as the latter had been his supporter for four years.
Image via Head TopicsDespite all the pushback on his decision, Tian Chua received support from PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli. Before making his decision, the Batu candidate had called Rafizi before he decided to hold an independent ticket in GE15. Tian Chua reportedly received the deputy president's blessings before contesting.
Tian Chua had previously held the Batu seat for two terms and was dissatisfied with this term's candidate list provided by PKR.
