GE14 | PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail described the disqualification of its party vice-president Chuan Tian Chang or better known as Tian Chua by the Election Commission during nomination day today as “a tragedy”.

"When I was chairing the party's vetting committee, we felt that Tian Chua was in the clear and for that reason, he was nominated again to defend his seat. This is the first time this happened," she said.

Asked by reporters on whether the matter could have been averted, she replied the party had not yet thought of the next course of action and admitted that there was no backup plan.

"Tian has served his constituents well," said Wan Azizah after filing her papers for the Pandan parliamentary seat.

It was reported that the Batu returning officer Anwar Mohd Zain had barred Tian Chua from contesting the 14th general election on May 9 due to a RM2,000 fine imposed on him by the Shah Alam High Court on March 3.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali also lashed out at the move by the returning officer which he described as without basis and one that had tarnished the democratic process.

He said the decision was in contempt of court as the High Court had reduced Tian Chua's fine to RM2,000 to allow him to contest Parliament speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia had also declared that Tian Chua would not lose his seat.

Azmin urged all those who felt betrayed by the EC's action to give their vote to Pakatan Harapan.

Harapan chairperson and former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad said there was no reason for the EC to reject Tian Chua's nomination papers.

"I heard Tian Chua application was rejected although there was no reason to disqualify him," he said.

Meanwhile, Tian Chua in a tweet urged Harapan supporters not to be disappointed.

"We must not let the BN kleptocrats steal our election. Keep our spirits high and continue to campaign against BN," he said.