KUALA LUMPUR: The government has appealed against a High Court ruling allowing Perikatan Nasional to resume its political activities, including contesting next month's Melaka election.
The notice of appeal, dated today, was filed by the Attorney-General's Chambers on behalf of Registrar of Societies (RoS) director-general Datuk Mohd Zulfikar Ahmad and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
High Court judge Datuk Azizan Md granted PN's application to stay the RoS suspension and deregistration orders pending the disposal of its judicial review.
According to the notice sighted by the New Straits Times, the two appellants were dissatisfied with the High Court's decision allowing the stay application sought by PN.
Azizan allowed PN's application to stay the RoS decision revoking the opposition coalition's registration, as well as an earlier notice suspending all its political activities.
The ruling effectively cleared the way for PN to continue its political activities, including campaigning and contesting the Melaka state election scheduled for Nov 14.
The judge said exceptional circumstances warranted the stay, particularly considering the potential impact on the political rights of party members and elected representatives.
He said the court also took into account the possible irreversible consequences of preventing PN from participating in elections.
The judge ruled that granting the stay would not prejudice the authorities, as PN's political activities could still be monitored and enforcement action taken if any laws were breached.
On Oct 20, the RoS announced that PN's registration had been revoked after finding that the coalition's explanation in response to a show-cause notice was unsatisfactory.
The deregistration followed an earlier order issued under Section 13(2A) of the Societies Act 1966, suspending all PN activities effective Sept 23.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd