Full Breakdown
Malaysia’s Registrar Schedules Deregistration of Opposition Bloc Perikatan Nasional
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Oct 20 (scheduled), the Registrar of Societies (ROS) will cancel the registration of Perikatan Nasional (PN), the country’s main opposition coalition. ROS said the coalition’s explanation submitted on Oct 12 failed to refute the grounds for deregistration outlined in a notice issued on Sept 22. Accordingly, ROS invoked subparagraph 13(1)(c)(iv) of the Societies Act 1966 to terminate PN’s legal status, meaning its component parties cannot contest elections under a common banner.
Background and Legal Timeline
- July 16 – Bersatu alleges it was excluded from a PN Supreme Council meeting.
- Aug 11 – ROS receives Bersatu’s official complaint detailing the exclusion and questioning Bersatu’s membership status in the coalition.
- Sept 22 – ROS issues a notice giving PN an opportunity to submit explanations and representations.
- Oct 12 – PN submits its response, which ROS later deemed unsatisfactory.
- Oct 5 – PN files an application for judicial review, naming ROS registrar Datuk Mohd Zulfikar Ahmad and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as respondents.
Official Statements & Responses
PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, also a PAS leader, announced that the coalition will pursue a legal challenge to the deregistration order.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s multi-party government, which includes the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional blocs, is watching the development as it approaches the Nov 14 state election in Malacca—a key test after earlier regional defeats.
Implications for the Upcoming Malacca Election
The loss of a unified opposition banner could force PN’s component parties, including the Islamist PAS and nationalist Bersatu, to contest the Malacca poll separately or seek new alliances. Reports suggest Barisan Nasional and PAS are discussing cooperation, a move that may reshape electoral dynamics ahead of the general election expected later in the year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “PN condemns this action as an attempt to... weaken political opponents ahead of the Malacca election,” — Datuk Seri Takiyuddin