Wawasan has questioned whether ‘hidden hands’ were behind the Registrar of Societies’ (RoS) decision to suspend Perikatan Nasional (PN), citing the timing of the action and the upcoming Melaka state election.
In a statement, the party said it had been informed that PN received two notices from the RoS.
The first required PN to explain why its registration should not be cancelled, while the second ordered the coalition to suspend its activities.
‘The timing of the notices, which coincided with the announcement of the dissolution of the Melaka state legislative assembly, raises questions over whether there were “hidden hands” behind the action,’ Wawasan said.
The party said it believed the action was politically motivated and intended to prevent PN from contesting the upcoming Melaka state election.
Wawasan added that it would continue working closely with PN component parties to ensure preparations and election machinery for the Melaka polls proceed as planned.
The RoS said the suspension was intended to give PN an opportunity to respond to a complaint lodged by Bersatu. The suspension took effect on Wednesday.
PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has also suggested that political pressure could be behind the RoS action against the coalition.
Pejuang demands answers
Pejuang, meanwhile, has called on the RoS to explain the basis for suspending PN, saying the move raised questions over the use of its powers against an opposition coalition.
In a statement, the party called on Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to state publicly whether he or anyone in the government had directed or influenced the RoS action against PN.
‘The minister is responsible for ensuring that agencies under his ministry act independently, particularly when an agency’s decision has a direct impact on political competition in the country,’ it said.
Pejuang also asked which rules PN had allegedly violated and why the coalition’s activities needed to be suspended while its response to Bersatu’s complaint was still pending.
The party said that while the RoS had urged the public to avoid speculation, the agency should provide specific reasons for the suspension to address concerns over its decision.
It added that because the suspension order affected PN’s component parties, the RoS should explain how the interests of PN members were taken into consideration before the decision was made.
‘The public is not speculating when it questions the use of powers that affect an opposition coalition. It is demanding accountability,’ Pejuang said.
Complaint and suspension questioned
Pejuang said a complaint should not be treated as a finding of guilt, and questioned why action against the entire PN was necessary before its response had been considered.
‘A complaint is not a finding of guilt. The RoS must explain why action against the entire PN is necessary when the explanation it requested has yet to be considered,’ it said.
The party also said it supported and would participate in appropriate legal action to challenge the suspension order or any subsequent order issued by the RoS.
The RoS has clarified that the suspension does not amount to a final decision to cancel PN’s registration, but was issued following a complaint by Bersatu and while PN is given an opportunity to respond.
