KUALA LUMPUR: PKR vice-president Tian Chua has lodged a police report over the Election Commission’s rejection of his nomination papers.
He said EC returning officer (RO) Anwar Mohd Zain, who rejected his nomination papers, had violated a court ruling.
“I am sad and outraged by the RO’s handling of the matter,” said the two-term Batu member of parliament after lodging the report at the Sentul district police headquarters here today.
He said he had advised the RO to seek legal advice from the attorney-general before deciding to reject his nomination, but the RO had refused.
“He said he did not have to seek anbody’s advice and his power was absolute,” said the opposition politician.
“He said he had the right to reject my nomination papers even though a court ruling clearly stated that I am qualified to be a candidate.”
Tian Chua’s nomination was rejected on the basis of a March 2 Shah Alam High Court ruling under which he was fined RM2,000 for insulting the modesty of a police officer.
He was also convicted last year of insulting a policeman and was fined RM3,000, in default three months’ jail. He appealed and the High Court last month reduced the fine to RM2,000 as the offence did not involve bodily harm.
The court also dismissed a prosecution appeal to impose a heavier sentence.
Tian Chua pointed out that the parliament speaker and a recent High Court ruling had stated that he was not disqualified as an MP.
“This shows that the RO is biased. I have discussed it with legal advisers and they are working on a legal remedy.”
He said the RO had denied his right as a candidate and had also denied the rights of Batu voters to vote for the party of their choice.