By Carolyn Hong, Malaysia Bureau Chief

THE voluble opposition MP Tian Chua was at a loss for words for a moment when asked how many offences he has been charged with.

'Erm, um, five. Five, I think five,' he told The Straits Times, still sounding unsure.

It is not surprising. The politician, one of the more hot-headed MPs, is no stranger to the court. He has been in and out of court repeatedly to face charges, all related to illegal assembly or defying police orders.

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