Bring it to court, Saifuddin tells those unhappy with Umno-ROS decision

KUALA LUMPUR: If Opposition MPs are dissatisfied with the Home Ministry’s move to rectify a decision by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) against Umno, they could challenge the matter in court, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Home Minister said Section 70 of the Societies Act 1966 (Act 832) gave ministers the prerogative to make several exemptions.

"If the complainant is dissatisfied, saying that the minister had overstepped his powers. they could go through legal channels and the due process.

"Then, the courts will decide. This is my understanding of this process and so, that is my explanation," Saifuddin.

Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) then interjected and brought up an alleged letter by the ROS to Umno, which stated that irregularities were found in the motion passed during its recent general assembly not to contest the president and deputy president post.

"Is this letter real and genuine? It clearly stated that Umno’s motion not to contest its president and deputy president post had contravened Article 9.3 in the Umno constitution," said Takiyuddin.

"Will this decision by YB (Saifuddin) become a binding precedent to every other party after this?" asked Takiyuddin.

In response, Saifuddin said various perspectives on the issue could be made by a lawyer and a minister, respectively.

According to Saifuddin, he scrutinised the legal aspects behind the issue before arriving at the decision.

"With clear understanding, the decision has its implications that may bring about legal action in court. I’m fully aware of it, with full respect," added Saifuddin.

Saifuddin’s reply was not met well by Opposition leaders, and many of them attempted to interrupt his speech.

However, Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor told MPs that it was Saifuddin’s floor and no interjections were allowed by Saifuddin.

Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) then raised a Standing Order and demanded a written reply from Saifuddin.

However, Saifuddin then schooled Shahidan regarding parliamentary practices.

“You can cite a standing order and the Speaker will make a ruling. If the Standing Order is accurate, then I will sit down and you (Shahidan) will speak.

"This is not the way," said Saifuddin.

Shahidan, who looked dissatisfied, then sat down, before Mohd Ramli told the International Trade and Industry Ministry to proceed with its winding up speech on Budget 2023.

On Tuesday (March 7), Saifuddin confirmed that Umno was given an exemption under Act 832 regarding the resolution for no contests for the posts of president and deputy president passed during the party’s 2022 general assembly.

Saifuddin said the exemption was made based on Section 70 of the Act.

Under Section 70 of the Act, the minister might at his discretion in writing exempt any society registered under the Act from all or any of the provisions of the said Act.