Takiyuddin hints at political pressure behind RoS action against PN

Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has suggested that political pressure may be behind the Registrar of Societies’ (RoS) action against the coalition.

In a statement today, Takiyuddin said PN did not rule out the possibility that the action was the result of a “mala fide” agenda and political pressure against the coalition from parties within and outside PN. “Mala fide” refers to acting in bad faith.

Takiyuddin said PN received a notice under Subsection 13(2) of the Societies Act 1966 on Tuesday indicating that the RoS intended to cancel its registration after giving the coalition 30 days to show cause.

He said the proposed cancellation was linked to a complaint lodged by Bersatu concerning a meeting on July 16.

Takiyuddin said PN also received an order under Subsection 13(2A) of the Act yesterday suspending its activities until further notice.

“PN takes note of the RoS’s decision but does not agree with the basis for the decision,” he said.

“PN is taking immediate steps through the legal processes available to defend the objectives of its establishment and its political agenda, which are backed by its members and supporters.”

Takiyuddin also called on PN members and supporters to remain calm, saying the matter was being handled appropriately. He said PN would issue updates on the matter from time to time.

He also announced an immediate gag order prohibiting anyone other than PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and himself from making statements on behalf of the coalition.

PAS, Gerakan weigh in on PN suspension

In a statement today, PAS said it would work with PN component parties to examine the RoS’s action against the coalition and take appropriate steps under the law.

The party said it was confident that PN would deal with the notice and suspension order in accordance with relevant legal provisions and due legal processes.

It also noted that the notice and suspension order were issued on the same dates as the announcement and dissolution of the Melaka state legislative assembly.

Separately, Gerakan said the RoS’s actions were “surprising and deeply disappointing”, especially as PN was looking to prepare for the Melaka polls.

“Unfortunately, the suspension notice issued to PN appears somewhat inconsistent with the spirit of democracy that we should uphold,” it said.

“Upholding the principles of fair and open democracy should be a shared responsibility among both political parties and public servants.”

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