PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) will challenge the cancellation of its registration in court, accusing the government of attempting to cripple the opposition just 11 days before nomination day for the Melaka state election.
PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the Registrar of Societies (RoS) cancelled the coalition’s registration today, two days before the Kuala Lumpur High Court was scheduled to hear its application to stay earlier enforcement action against the coalition.
He questioned why the RoS proceeded with the cancellation before the Oct 22 hearing, saying PN had written to the registrar on Oct 14 to request that no further action be taken pending the court proceedings.
“A government that respects the rule of law should have allowed the court to decide on the application and explain why even two days could not be waited,” he said in a statement today.
Takiyuddin claimed that the timing and sequence of events raised serious questions about possible mala fide intent and political motivation, particularly with the Melaka election approaching.
He said the RoS issued its notice on Sept 22, the day the dissolution of the Melaka state legislative assembly was announced, followed by the suspension of PN’s activities the next day and the cancellation of its registration today.
PN also alleged that the RoS action was inconsistent with its earlier written position concerning a PN Supreme Council meeting held on July 16, when the department had reportedly stated that it had no authority to intervene.
Takiyuddin said the deregistration could have far-reaching consequences for the coalition, including its political activities, assets and office-bearers.
“Administrative powers carrying such significant implications for the people’s choice and the democratic process should not be exercised without clear reasons and respect for ongoing judicial scrutiny,” he said.
He said PN would challenge the legality of the cancellation order and seek a stay on its implementation and consequences pending the court’s determination.
Takiyuddin added that PN would seek an explanation from the Attorney-General over the move when its application for a stay came before the High Court on Thursday.
He said PN’s component parties remained united and urged members and supporters to remain calm, comply with the law and allow the court process to take its course.