Baru Bian, the representative for the Bakalalan constituency, has filed a request to dismiss a lawsuit initiated by the Malaysian Justice Party (PKR) demanding damages of 10 million Malaysian Ringgit over allegations of violating contract terms after his departure from the party following the 14th general elections in 2018.
The request was submitted through the law firm YH Teh & Quek on April 6, with Baru Bian arguing that the High Court of Malaysia lacks jurisdiction to hear the case, noting that the cause of action arose in the state of Sarawak.
Details of the Case
Judge Roslan Mat Noor of the High Court has scheduled a hearing for the case management on May 20. In his application, Baru Bian, who previously served as the parliamentary representative for Selangau, indicated that he signed the contract on April 25, 2018, and that his affiliation with the Justice Party was limited to the state of Sarawak.
Baru Bian stated in his application: "The actions of the plaintiff against me, even if proven true, do not arise in Peninsular Malaysia. Rather, the lawsuit originated in Sarawak." It is noteworthy that Baru Bian is one of 16 former representatives facing the lawsuit from the party's secretary-general, Datuk Dr. Fuziah Salleh.
Background & Context
The roots of this case trace back to the 14th general elections held in 2018, where all the defendants were nominated as candidates by the Justice Party, successfully winning parliamentary and state assembly seats, contributing to the formation of the federal government and several state governments.
However, on February 24, 2020, all defendants ceased to be members of the party after being elected under its banner, expressing their support for other political alliances outside the Justice Party. On March 11, 2020, the party decided to terminate the membership of all defendants immediately.
Impact & Consequences
This case exemplifies the political tensions that may arise between parties after elections, particularly regarding legal obligations. If the Justice Party succeeds in its lawsuit, it could pave the way for further lawsuits against former members of political parties, potentially impacting the political landscape in Malaysia.
Moreover, this case may lead to a reevaluation of how political parties manage their relationships with members, especially under changing circumstances that may lead to splits or resignations.
Regional Significance
This case underscores the importance of adhering to political and legal agreements in the Arab world as well, where many Arab countries have witnessed similar instances of political splits and party crises. This case could serve as a lesson on how to handle internal crises within political parties.
In conclusion, this case reflects the challenges faced by political parties in Malaysia and highlights the importance of adhering to political agreements, which may have broader implications for the political landscape in the region.