PN fights for survival after registration cancelled
PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN), the coalition that rose from Malaysia’s political turmoil to take power in Putrajaya six years ago, is fighting for its survival after its registration was cancelled over an internal dispute.
The Registrar of Societies (RoS) cancelled PN’s registration yesterday after rejecting its explanation over alleged breaches of the coalition’s constitution, leaving its political future uncertain as the Malacca election approaches.
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The decision has also raised questions about whether PN’s component parties would seek new alliances, with renewed talk of cooperation involving PAS, Umno and Wawasan adding to uncertainty over the coalition’s future.
Here is what led to PN’s crisis and what could happen next.
How did PN rise to power?
PN’s origins can be traced to the Sheraton Move in February 2020, when the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration ended Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s second premiership.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin subsequently became Malaysia’s eighth prime minister, leading an administration supported by PAS, Umno and other political allies.
PN was formally registered later that year, although Umno remained outside the coalition. Muhyiddin’s administration collapsed in August 2021 after he lost majority support in Parliament.
However, PN emerged as a formidable electoral force in the 15th general election in November 2022, becoming the main opposition after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim formed the Unity government.
The coalition retained Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah in the 2023 state elections while making significant inroads into PH strongholds.
What triggered the crisis?
The dispute centres on a PN Supreme Council meeting on July 16, which Bersatu alleges that it was not invited to attend.
Bersatu lodged a complaint with RoS, claiming its exclusion breached Clause 7.1 of the coalition’s constitution, concerning component parties’ participation in decision-making.
PN disputed the registrar’s authority over the membership issue, arguing that it should be resolved internally.
On Sept 22, RoS issued a show-cause notice, followed by a suspension of PN’s activities.
PN submitted its explanation on Oct 12, but RoS found its arguments insufficient to justify maintaining the coalition’s registration.
Its registration was then cancelled under the Societies Act 1966.
Can PN challenge the decision?
PN has initiated judicial review proceedings against RoS and the Home minister.
On Oct 13, the Kuala Lumpur High Court granted permission for the challenge to proceed but rejected PN’s request for an interim stay.
Another hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, although the implications of the latest deregistration decision for the ongoing proceedings remain uncertain.
What happens to Malacca and PN’s smaller allies?
The timing presents a challenge for PN, with nomination day for the Malacca election approaching on Oct 31.
The deregistration raises questions over the use of electoral symbols, candidate arrangements and seat negotiations, potentially complicating preparations for the polls.
While PAS and Bersatu retain their own political machinery, smaller allies such as Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party face uncertainty over their place in any future alliance.
They could seek new partnerships or risk being sidelined as the larger parties pursue their own political interests.
Is this the end of PN?
Not necessarily.
The deregistration affects PN as a coalition, not the individual registration of its component parties.
However, renewed talk of cooperation involving PAS, Umno and Wawasan raises questions about whether rebuilding PN remains politically worthwhile.
Any new alliance would face its own obstacles, including long-standing rivalries, leadership ambitions and Umno’s existing role in the Unity government.
Six years after political realignments propelled PN into Putrajaya, another round of political manoeuvring could determine its future.
For PN, the immediate battle is legal. But the larger question is whether its component parties still see value in rebuilding the coalition or whether they believe a different political arrangement offers a better path forward.