KUALA TERENGGANU: Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has questioned the timing of the coalition's deregistration by the Registrar of Societies (RoS), describing the move as unusual.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Samsuri said the decision, made just two days before the case was due to be heard in court and ahead of the Melaka election candidate nominations, raised questions about its motive.
"What happened before the case was brought to court was an unusual action. Indeed, it was extraordinary, and could even be considered abnormal.
"All actions that coincided with the timeline leading up to the Melaka election candidate nominations, when the Election Commission (EC) had only two days earlier written to 'PN' seeking a response on the use of the 'PN' logo, clearly show a fear of this coalition," he said.
He warned that the move would not diminish public support for PN.
"Remember, the people's wave will not easily be extinguished by politicians hiding behind their power.
"Especially politicians who make 'working towards banning this coalition' a key performance indicator (KPI) to align themselves with those we face in the election," he said.
Earlier, RoS confirmed the cancellation of PN's registration after finding that the coalition's explanations and representations submitted on Oct 12 failed to rebut the grounds stated in its earlier notice.
RoS said the decision was made under Subparagraph 13(1)(c)(iv) of the Societies Act 1966 (Act 832), after reviewing all documents and representations submitted by PN.
Before that, RoS issued a notice dated Sept 22 under Subsection 13(2) of the same Act, allowing PN to explain why its registration should not be cancelled.
RoS said the explanation provided did not offer sufficient justification to maintain PN's registration, while stressing that all registered organisations are responsible for complying with the law and their respective constitutions.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd