The PKR leadership will meet its Selangor division leader S Manikavasagam after the June 18 twin by-elections to gather more information regarding the alleged graft case against him, said vice-president Tian Chua. 

The Kuala Selangor PKR chief, who is also the former MP for Kapar, was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday.

Sources revealed that he was being investigated for allegedly receiving a RM30,000 bribe from a contractor and for cheating several disabled persons of their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) deposits.

Manikavasagam, who was released this evening, denied the allegation.

Tian Chua, who confirmed the identity of the arrested ex-lawmaker, said the matter is under investigation and should not be prejudged. 

"The leadership, after the by-elections, would like to hear his version of events and would not defend any wrongdoing. 

"We hope MACC carries out its duties professionally and are not politically-motivated by linking it to the by-elections," he told reporters when met in Sungai Besar this afternoon.

PKR leaders are currently campaigning for ally Parti Amanah Negara candidates contesting in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections. 

Manikavasagam’s arrest comes in the wake of an allegation that money and women were sought in negotiations with the Selangor government.

This issue was exposed when a WhatsApp conversation involving PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli was leaked to the media.

Rafizi later filed a report with the MACC.

However, it is unclear if the arrest is linked to this allegation.

Contacted by Malaysiakini earlier, MACC director of investigations Azam Baki confirmed the arrest but declined to comment further.