KUALA LUMPUR: The PKR Batu candidate, P. Prabakaran should look at Tian Chua's candidacy in the constituency as a reason for him to work harder.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat's vice president Rafizi Ramli said in a press conference that Tian Chua has earned his blessings to compete at the Batu parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.
"Tian Chua messaged me to inform of his intent to contest as an independent candidate and that he wanted his old friends to understand that he is trying a new path.
Rafizi said that despite the different paths taken by Tian Chua, the reform goals remain the same.
The PKR vice-president said that he welcomes all candidates, former party members or not, and that Prabakaran now has a motivation to work harder as Tian Chua is synonymous with Batu constituency.
I hope Prabakaran receives Tian Chua's candidacy with an open heart and takes it in good spirit to work even harder."
Commenting on Tian Chua's bid as an independent candidate, Rafizi added that he would not jump the gun and leave it to the party instead.
"There's due process in Tian Chua's investigation, but for now all party disciplinary hearings are suspended from Aug until the end of the general election to focus on the polls.
"I don't want internal problems to be an emotional issue and mislead the rakyat from the main issue. Put that aside first and let the due process take place."
The former Batu MP returned to contest despite not being nominated by his party.
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier said that any party member who contests in the general election as an independent would face expulsion from the party.