Will Tian Chua contest Batu again? Returning PKR veteran eyes political revival

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — Former PKR vice-president Tian Chua is considering a return to Parliament and has expressed openness to contesting his previous constituency of Batu, capitalizing on the constituency’s ongoing grassroots backing. The 62-year-old veteran, however, emphasized that any decision on his candidacy and seat allocation would ultimately be left to the party leadership.

Speaking to FMT, Tian Chua shared that he still possesses the necessary energy to contribute to Parliament and would be eager to return to the political arena. Representing Batu from 2008 to 2018, Tian Chua was barred from defending the seat in the 2018 general election after his nomination papers were disqualified due to a RM2,000 court fine.

In response, he supported then-independent student activist P. Prabakaran, who went on to win the seat before joining PKR. Tensions arose during the 2022 general election when Tian Chua ran as an independent against Prabakaran, following the party’s decision to have the incumbent defend the seat. This led to Tian Chua’s expulsion from PKR in January 2023.

Despite the political repercussions, Tian Chua asserted that his connections to the Batu community remain strong. The constituents have repeatedly expressed their wish for his return to serve their interests, as he has been associated with the area for several decades. Apart from his personal political aspirations, Tian Chua emphasized that his primary objective is to ensure PKR evolves into a resilient democratic institution that can outlast the cyclical nature of politics.

He urged the party to uphold its founding principles of inclusivity and equality while strengthening its institutional framework to withstand changing electoral dynamics. Drawing parallels to long-standing parties in Western democracies, Tian Chua cited the UK’s Labour, Conservative, and Liberal traditions, which have persisted over time by representing essential values and distinct segments of society.

He argued that PKR must similarly strive for institutional longevity, aiming to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.