KUALA LUMPUR, October 20, 2026 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) has condemned the cancellation of its registration by the Registrar of Societies (ROS), describing the move as an alleged abuse of power and questioning the government’s motives ahead of the Melaka state election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the cancellation came just two days before the Kuala Lumpur High Court was scheduled to hear the coalition’s application to stay the ROS’s enforcement action.
The hearing, set for October 22, was intended to address PN’s application to suspend the notice of non-compliance and the suspension of all its activities pending the outcome of its judicial review.
Takiyuddin said the timing of the cancellation raised serious questions about the authorities’ respect for judicial proceedings, particularly after the ROS had indicated on October 6 that the issues raised by PN would be addressed in court.
He said the High Court granted leave for judicial review on October 13 and fixed the stay application for an inter partes hearing following submissions by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) that both parties should be heard.
PN subsequently submitted a written request on October 14 asking the authorities to refrain from further action until the hearing. However, Takiyuddin said the request went unanswered.
He added that the AGC had informed the court on October 19 that the cancellation process was still ongoing, without indicating that the decision would be made the following day.
According to Takiyuddin, the decision to cancel PN’s registration before the scheduled hearing had fundamentally altered the circumstances surrounding the legal dispute.
He questioned why the authorities could not wait for the court to consider the application, alleging that the timing raised concerns about possible bad faith and political motives.
PN also disputed the grounds cited by the ROS, particularly those relating to a meeting of the coalition’s Supreme Council on July 16, 2026. Takiyuddin said the registrar had previously stated in writing that it had no authority to intervene in the matter.
He further claimed that PN’s detailed response to the allegations had been rejected as unsatisfactory without substantive reasons being provided.
The cancellation could have far-reaching implications for PN, its component parties, office-bearers and assets, Takiyuddin said, arguing that an administrative decision with such significant consequences should be supported by clear reasons and subjected to proper judicial scrutiny.
PN alleged that the move was an attempt to weaken the opposition coalition ahead of the Melaka state election, noting that the initial notice was issued on September 22, the day the dissolution of the Melaka state assembly was announced. A suspension followed the next day, he said, with the registration cancellation taking place just 11 days before nomination day.
Takiyuddin said PN would challenge the validity of the cancellation order and seek a stay of its implementation and all related consequences pending the court’s determination.
The coalition also called on the Attorney-General to explain the cancellation in light of the AGC’s position during the proceedings scheduled for October 22.
PN further said it would pursue action against parties it alleges had shown contempt for or disregarded the court process.
Despite the cancellation, Takiyuddin said PN’s component parties remained united in defending the people’s mandate through legal and democratic channels. He urged members and supporters to remain calm, comply with the law and allow the judicial process to proceed.
In a strongly worded conclusion, Takiyuddin accused the government of using administrative powers against its political opponents out of fear of losing public support.
He maintained that the cancellation would not diminish public demand for political change, adding that the government’s actions would ultimately be judged by the electorate.
The allegations and legal arguments outlined in the statement represent PN’s position. The reasons for the ROS decision and any response from the government or the Attorney-General’s Chambers were not included in the statement provided.
–Minutesmy–
