KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has today called Chua Tian Chang's decision to contest as an independent candidate a foolish one.

He said that Chua, the former PKR vice-president better known as Tian Chua, should have well understood the party's constitution and the penalties for contesting independently

"He had hinted at running for the 15th general election, and I advised him because the party's constitution is clear that he will have to resign immediately," he was quoted as saying by Malaysia Gazette, referring to Chua.

"He told me casually, and that was an unwise decision as a reformer," he added.

Yesterday, Anwar was reported saying that Chua can consider himself sacked from the party after choosing to go against PKR's own pick P. Prabakaran.

Meanwhile, his deputy Rafizi Ramli said if any action were to be taken against Chua for not toeing the party line, it would be after the elections.

Earlier today, Chua apologised to Anwar, saying that he understands that a president has the responsibility to carry out the party's rules.

Chua said he will accept any punishment from PKR, and said he filed his nomination as he wishes to continue serving his constituency.

Chua filed to contest Batu as an independent candidate, seeking to reclaim the seat he had represented for two terms from 2008.

Prabakaran had won as an independent in 2018 and subsequently joined PKR and held the seat for the party until Parliament’s dissolution this year.