KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Chua Tian Chang today apologised to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while also accepting whatever disciplinary action that may be taken against him for contesting as an independent candidate against PKR’s own candidate P. Prabakaran in Batu in the 15th general election (GE15).

Chua, the former PKR vice-president better known as Tian Chua, reportedly said he was contesting Batu in the 15th general election as he wanted to serve.

"I have to respect the president’s power. I understand Anwar’s dilemma, he is forced to carry out the responsibility as president to follow the party’s rules,” he was quoted as saying by national daily Berita Harian.

"I really understand his disappointment and I apologise for being forced to do something that saddens him.

"But I wish to emphasise that my friendship with Anwar will not change even a bit at all, although affected by current political situations,” he was quoted as saying, adding that he continues to respect Anwar and appreciate his sacrifices as a leader.

Chua also wished Anwar the best for GE15.

Yesterday, Chua also highlighted he was one of the founding members of PKR, and described it as a party where he had strong emotional attachment while saying that he loves and supports all the leaders of PKR.

Anwar, who was the Port Dickson MP, is now contesting in the Tambun seat in Perak.

After Chua became a candidate in the 10-corner fight in Batu yesterday, Anwar was reported saying it was unfortunate that Chua had chosen this path as he should not have done so as a dedicated reformist.

"So we have to take the necessary action. So those who contest as independent or leave the party will be automatically sacked,” Anwar had said yesterday.

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, however, reportedly welcomed Chua’s candidacy as he said everyone has a right to contest in elections and said that Chua could even serve as motivation for other candidates like Prabakaran.

Rafizi also suggested that any action by PKR to be taken against Chua would be after elections, saying: "I don’t want to jump the gun, but there is a process and we will leave that process to the party.”

Chua was Batu MP for PKR for two terms from 2008 to 2018, while 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.