Muda to take legal action against ROS over registration delay (updated)

PUTRAJAYA: Youth movement Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) wants to take legal action against the Registrar of Societies (ROS) over the delay in registering the group as a political party.

The group has roped in former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas and ex-Malaysian Bar president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan to help fight for their cause.

Led by its leader Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, the group of about 100 Muda supporters submitted a lawyer’s letter from Thomas’ firm to ROS to demand that the party be registered as soon as possible.

“We have applied to register Muda as a party on Sept 17. Until today, we have not received any update from the ROS on the registration, ” said Syed Saddiq after meeting the ROS.

The former youth and sports minister said the group were able to meet the ROS deputy director-general to submit the legal letter.

“We were informed by the ROS that the registration of Muda is still under consideration. There is no approval given out yet.

“So we have submitted a legal letter to demand that Muda be registered as a party within seven days.

“The Muda protem committee are represented by esteemed lawyers Tan Sri Tommy Thomas and Datuk Ambiga.

“If Muda is not approved within seven days, we will pursue court action against the ROS, ” said Syed Saddiq.

He said in comparison, Perikatan Nasional only took three days to be registered under the current government, while Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia was registered in just 30 days during Barisan Nasional’s reign.

“Allow Muda, as a party of youths from various race and religion, to be registered according to the democratic process.

“Let us fight in elections.

“It is a mockery of Malaysian democracy to withhold the legitimate registration of Muda as a political entity, ” said Syed Saddiq.