'I might lose Batu MP seat' - Tian Chua

PKR vice-president Tian Chua has spent several sleepless nights thinking about his pending court case following the court's decision to fine activist Hishamuddin Md Rais RM5,000 under the Sedition Act.

The Batu MP said there were chances of him being given the same sentence as Hishamuddin.

"If Hishamuddin was fined RM5,000, I might also be given the same sentence but that will result in me losing the Batu Parliamentary seat," he said when contacted.

"The court will use the same or similar sentence for me later. Under the law, a MP can lose his seat if fined RM2,000 and if I'm fined RM5,000. I will lose my Batu seat," he added.

On Friday, Hishamuddin was found guilty and received RM5,000 penalty. If the fine is not paid, a six-month jail term would be imposed.

On May 29, 2013, Hishamuddin along with five other activists were charged for staging a seditious speech during May 13, 2013 'ceramah', here.

He was charged of committing the offence at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Jalan Maharaja Lela, Dang Wangi between 8.55pm and 11.15pm.

The offence under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 is punishable under Section 4(1) of the same Act, which carries a jail term of up to three years or a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both.