KUALA LUMPUR: Tian Chua has slammed PKR's disciplinary committee for announcing his sacking to the media before notifying him over the matter.
The former PKR vice-president did not mince words when he described the action of the committee chairman as unprofessional, regrettable, and disrespectful.
In a posting on his Facebook account today, Tian Chua said he was sad and disappointed with such a decision since he was among the many people, including activists, who had witnessed the birth of PKR and engaged continuously in the struggles championed by the party for more than two decades.
"From the start, I was prepared to accept the consequences of contesting in the election (15th General Election) without the consent of the party leadership.
"Nevertheless, in the context of the post-GE15 scenario, rival parties have put aside hostilities during the elections.
"Even old longterm enemies, including those accused of being treacherous have declared a truce and cooperated in the formation of the unity government."
He was referring to the cooperation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) after the GE15 to form the unity government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Without disputing the power of the leadership.... harsh measures to enforce the rules seem to contradict the ethos of reconciliation and inclusivity in the current political environment," wrote Tian Chua on the decision made over his dismissal from PKR.
He nevertheless took responsibility for his action when he contested as an independent in GE15.
Tian Chua said he has no intention of blaming it on other people.
"There are still a lot of challenges confronting us.
"I want to assure all my supporters that I will not slow down my pace in striving for reform.
"I will not retreat from fighting to defend the rights and welfare of the people," he said.
PKR communications director Lee Chean Chung confirmed to the New Straits Times that Tian Chua has been sacked from the party.
Lee said the decision was recommended by the PKR disciplinary board and had been approved by the party's central leadership council.
Four other members, Puah Chee Haur from the Parit Buntar branch, Ahmad Tarmizi Mohd Ghazali (Gopeng), M. Mohganan (Taiping) and Nur Khairunisa Abdullah (Sadong Jaya) were also sacked.
Tian Chua stood as an independent candidate for the Batu parliamentary seat in the Nov 19 general election after PKR selected P. Prabakaran as its candidate.
After declaring himself an independent candidate, Tian Chua said he was still a PKR member and was ready to accept any action by the party.