GEORGE TOWN: The deregisteration of Perikatan Nasional by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) has been described as politically motivated.
Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong described the move as being made in bad faith, particularly with the 16th General Election looming.
He said the party would convene a meeting at its headquarters this week to discuss the matter and determine its next course of action.
“We have just received the news from ROS. We will hold a meeting at the Gerakan headquarters this week to discuss the matter and see how things go,” he said.
The Penang Gerakan chairman said the timing of the deregistration was unfair, particularly with the next general election approaching, as it could affect the party’s preparations and political activities.
Earlier, it was reported that Perikatan had been deregistered by the ROS under Subparagraph 13(1)(c)(iv) of the Societies Act 1966.
In a statement on Tuesday (Oct 20), ROS said that the coalition was issued a notice dated Sept 22 to submit an explanation and representations regarding matters raised under Subsection 13(2) of the Societies Act 1966.
After examining all the submitted documents and explanations, ROS found that the reasons given did not refute the grounds for deregistration stated in the notice or provide sufficient justification for maintaining the coalition’s registration.
