PN contest in Melaka election uncertain after RoS suspension

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) may be unable to contest the Melaka state election following an order by the Registrar of Societies Malaysia (RoS) suspending all its activities.

The order took effect immediately and includes a ban on using the coalition's logo.

Whether PN can contest will be decided by the Election Commission (EC) at a special meeting on the Melaka state election.

EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said the commission had yet to receive official notice from RoS on the suspension.

"The decision on whether PN can contest will be determined at the EC's special meeting on the Melaka state election," he said.

RoS, in a statement, said the suspension included a ban on using the coalition's logo.

"The immediate suspension of all PN activities means that no activities can be carried out, including the use of the PN party logo," it said.

RoS said under the Societies Act 1966, the suspension remains in effect until the order is revoked or the organisation's registration is cancelled.

In a statement yesterday, RoS said the suspension order was issued under Subsection 13(2A) of the Societies Act 1966 after a notice was issued to PN on Sept 22.

It said the notice sought an explanation from PN regarding a complaint filed by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

"The notice was not a decision to cancel PN's registration, but instead provides the coalition with an opportunity to submit an explanation within a reasonable period," it said.

Meanwhile, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said PN was taking immediate legal steps following the RoS action.

"PN takes note of the RoS decision but disagrees with the basis of the decision and is taking immediate steps through the available legal process.

"This is to defend the objectives of its establishment and its agenda supported by its members and supporters," he said.

Takiyuddin also said PN did not rule out the possibility that the action involved elements of bad faith or mala fide, as well as political pressure from parties within and outside the coalition.

He did not elaborate on the parties allegedly involved or the basis for the allegation.

"PN received a notice under Subsection 13(2) of the Societies Act 1966 regarding RoS' action to cancel the party's registration after a 30-day period was given to submit a show-cause response.

"The proposed cancellation of the registration is related to a complaint by Bersatu against PN regarding a meeting held on July 16.

"Following the notice, PN also received an order under Subsection 13(2A) of the same Act directing that all activities of the party be suspended until a date yet to be determined," he added.