Bersatu files suit against ROS, claims it 'neglected duty'

Bersatu today filed an originating summons in the High Court in Kuala Lumpur seeking  a declaration that the Registrar of Societies (ROS) should act within the law in dealing with complaints brought against the Umno splinter party.

In an affidavit in support of the application, party secretary-general Shahruddin Md Salleh claimed that the ROS had failed or neglected its duty and responsibility, as enshrined in the Societies Act 1966.

"ROS has constantly issued statements to the public instead of issuing an official notice to us. Their action has violated the Societies Act," he said.

Shahruddin added that when the ROS touched on how Bersatu had violated its own party constitution and the Societies Act, those excuses may be used to deregister the party.

"This is a form of blackmail which violates the law. It will cause worries among the grassroots leaders, members, and the public, as Bersatu has been widely accepted as a legal party," he said.

Shahruddin claimed that ROS abused its power in favour of the ruling party, and denied Bersatu's right to field its candidate in the next general election.

Bersatu named ROS as the sole defendant.

The party is also seeking an injunction to prevent ROS from issuing confusing statements pending the disposal of the case.

Bersatu was represented by lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla. Also present at court was Shahruddin, vice-president Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, and Wilayah Persekutuan chief Muhammad Suhaimi Yahya. 

Previously, Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad had claimed that the complaints made by some 400 party members against the party was to give ROS a reason not to recognise Bersatu - and therefore disallow the registration of Pakatan Harapan. 

Yesterday, Harapan leaders sued ROS over its failure to respond to their application to be registered as a formal coalition ahead of the 14th general election.- Mkini