Malaysia’s main opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional (PN), won a temporary reprieve on Thursday, October 22, 2026, when the Kuala Lumpur High Court stayed both the suspension and the deregistration orders issued by the Registrar of Societies (RoS). The ruling keeps the status quo while PN pursues a judicial review, and means the coalition may carry on political activities, including contesting the Melaka state election on November 14 under its own logo. PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan celebrated the decision, declaring that PN was back.
The dispute began on September 22, when the RoS issued a notice under the Societies Act 1966 and, two days later, suspended all PN activities and issued a show-cause notice following a complaint by Bersatu. The complaint centred on PN’s failure to invite Bersatu to the coalition’s supreme council meeting on July 16 and on excluding it from deliberations. On October 13 the High Court allowed a judicial review but refused interim relief. On October 20 the RoS announced it had deregistered PN, just days before Melaka nominations, and PN chairman Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar questioned the timing. PN said it would ask for the decision to be suspended and also urged the attorney general to explain his department’s position in court.
Behind the legal fight lies a rift inside the coalition. PAS cut direct political ties with Bersatu in June, but wants PN as a platform to soften its image among non-Muslim voters, The Edge has reported. Bersatu has also moved against its own members, with Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar suspended from the party for two election terms. Government leaders including Zahid Hamidi have said the RoS suspension was not arbitrary.
The stay is not a final ruling. The High Court will still hear the judicial review on the merits, and PN’s status could change again after the Melaka polls.
What to watch: the date of the full judicial review hearing, any appeal by the RoS, and whether PAS and Bersatu candidates face each other in Melaka seats.
Sources: The Star, NST, The Vibes, The Edge, Malay Mail, Ground News (September 24–October 22, 2026). Compiled October 27, 2026.
No comments:
Post a Comment