PKR could create a new enemy by sacking its former vice president, says political analyst

SHAH ALAM - PKR’s move in sacking one of its former vice-president's Tian Chua, could later be a thorn on its side.

Tian Chua's party membership was terminated last week because he stood against a PKR candidate in last November’s general election (GE15) as an independent.

Universiti Teknologi Mara political analyst, Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam said the decision was made purely based on the party's constitution.

“Nevertheless, I believe none of the members can ignore and erase the contribution that has been made by Tian Chua to the party.

“PKR should consider a wiser option of whether they want to create a new enemy or to restore the friendship,” he told Sinar Daily.

Aziz said he agreed that the action taken by the reformist party was fair, as it sent a strong message to other party members that it is not easy for them to come and go as they please.

Meanwhile, International Islamic University political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri suggested for Tian Chuato applogise to the party leadership.

“What he did was against the party in the 15th General Election.

“That should not be an easily forgivable offence as it would lead to the party’s disunity,” she said.

Dr Syaza further said Tian Chua should be dealt with fairly as a party member, despite being the veteran in the party.

“In my opinion, he should go through the due process,” she said.

In the previous GE15, Chua was contested as an independent candidate in Batu constituency, and lost to Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate at that time, P Prabakaran.

His actions, contesting as an independent candidate without the consent of the party led him to be officially sacked on Jan 8.

Other than him, four other PKR members also faced the same fate.

He has since apologised and hopes to be readmitted into the party.

It was reported that he has been given 14 days to appeal the decision, but the former two-time Batu MP, a staunch Anwar supporter, admitted he had “no defence”.