PN vows legal action after RoS suspends activities

KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) said it disagreed with the Registrar of Societies' (RoS) move to suspend its activities and vowed to pursue legal action to defend itself.

In a statement, PN said it had received an order under Section 13(2A) of the Societies Act 1966 directing the suspension of all its activities.

The remarks came after the Registrar of Societies (RoS) suspended PN's activities following a notice issued to the coalition seeking an explanation over a complaint lodged by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

PN said it would take legal action against the RoS decision.

"PN takes note of the decision by the RoS, but does not agree with its basis and is taking immediate legal steps to defend the objectives of its establishment and its agenda, which is supported by its members and supporters.

"PN does not discount the possibility that the actions taken against PN are the result of a mala fide agenda and political pressure targeting PN from parties within and outside PN," the statement, signed by secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, said.

The coalition said the notice and order were served on Sept 22 and 23 respectively, coinciding with the announcement and dissolution of the Melaka state legislative assembly.

The coalition urged its members to remain calm and said it would update them with new details.

PN also issued a gag order with immediate effect, prohibiting anyone from making statements on behalf of the coalition except its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, and secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

RoS had previously said it received a formal complaint from Bersatu on Aug 11, including allegations that the party was not involved in the PN Supreme Council meeting on July 16 and issues concerning its membership status in the coalition.

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was also reported to have urged RoS to make an immediate decision on the complaints lodged by the party against the PN leadership.