SHAH ALAM, March 2 — PKR vice president Chua Tian Chang remains Batu MP and will be able to contest in the coming 14 general elections (GE14) that must be called by August.

High Court judge Datuk Ab Karim Ab Rahman reduced today the federal Opposition lawmaker’s RM3,000 fine in lieu of three months jail, to RM2,000, following an appeal against his conviction in March last year for insulting the modesty of a policeman on duty in 2014.

"The High Court is of the view that the conviction set by the Sessions Court is true and justifiable by the statements recorded.

"The High Court acknowledges that your offence was not a premeditated act and the insults were hurled out of frustration.

"It must also be considered if this offence is punishable to the extent of not only a fine but [affecting] your background as an MP,” Datuk Ab Karim said before deciding on the newly-reduced RM2,000 fine.

The new sum barely passes the legal threshold of not incurring more than a RM2,000 fine stated in the Federal Constitution that automatically strips him of his position as elected representative and which clears him to run for elections again.

"It is a regret that I remain convicted but I am relieved. I still maintain that I did not commit any offence that have insulted the police’s modesty.

"I will not proceed with any other appeal involving this case now that my eligibility as an MP and contestant for GE14 is unchanged. It is time to focus on the preparations for elections,” Chua told reporters at the courthouse lobby here after the hearing.

The MP better known as Tian Chua was represented by lawyers Eric Paulsen, N. Surendran and Latheefa Koya.

Other PKR leaders were also present to show their support including president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.