KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu has defended its decision to file a complaint with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) against Perikatan Nasional (PN), saying the move was aimed at safeguarding the coalition’s constitution and ensuring accountability within the bloc.
Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the party submitted its written complaint to RoS on August 11 over what it described as institutional breaches within PN under its current leadership.
He said the complaint highlighted several issues, including Bersatu’s exclusion from a PN Supreme Council meeting on July 16 and concerns regarding the party’s status as a component member of the coalition.
“Among other things, the complaint stated that Bersatu was not involved in the Perikatan Nasional Supreme Council meeting on July 16, 2026, as well as issues concerning Bersatu’s membership status within the Perikatan Nasional coalition,” he said in a statement today.
Azmin said Bersatu viewed its exclusion from the meeting as a breach of Clause 7.1 of the PN Constitution, which he said provided the party with the right to attend, express its views and vote at Supreme Council meetings.
“The act of denying Bersatu its right to attend, express its views and vote at the Supreme Council meeting constitutes an offence and a violation of Clause 7.1 of the Perikatan Nasional Constitution,” he added.
His statement came after RoS suspended all PN activities effective September 23 under Section 13(2A) of the Societies Act 1966.
The regulator had also issued PN a notice under Section 13(2) of the same Act on September 22, requiring the coalition to respond to the complaint lodged by Bersatu.
Azmin said Bersatu had also raised concerns over the alleged existence of a “veto power” influencing decisions made by the PN Supreme Council.
He claimed that individuals who were not members of the Supreme Council had repeatedly issued statements that could be interpreted as threats or pressure to remove or suspend Bersatu from the coalition.
“Individuals who are not members of the Perikatan Nasional Supreme Council have frequently issued statements that could be construed as threats and pressure to expel and/or suspend Bersatu as a legitimate component party of Perikatan Nasional,” he said.
According to Azmin, such actions were inconsistent with the authority granted to the PN Presidency Council under Clause 7A.1(c) of the coalition’s constitution.
He said RoS had confirmed receiving Bersatu’s complaint and was investigating the matter under the Societies Act 1966, related regulations and the PN Constitution.
Azmin added that he personally went to the RoS headquarters in Putrajaya on August 18 to provide clarification on behalf of Bersatu.
“I fully cooperated with JPPM’s investigating officers and explained the basis of the complaint lodged on August 11, 2026,” he said.
He also urged PN’s leadership not to question the role of RoS by making what he described as unfounded accusations against the regulator.
“I urge the top leadership and management of Perikatan Nasional not to undermine JPPM’s role by making baseless accusations in an attempt to conceal political manoeuvres and cover up the existing leadership failures within Perikatan Nasional,” he stressed.
Azmin said RoS had repeatedly reminded PN that all its activities must comply with the Societies Act 1966 and the coalition’s constitution.
“Bersatu will always carry out its responsibility to safeguard the constitution of Perikatan Nasional and ensure that the coalition operates transparently, with integrity and in accordance with the principles of accountability,” he said.
The suspension comes as PN prepares for the Melaka state election, with questions emerging over how the temporary halt on the coalition’s activities could affect its election operations, candidate selection and campaign preparations.
RoS has clarified that PN’s registration has not been cancelled, with the coalition given the opportunity to respond to the complaint before any further action is considered.
The development has also highlighted internal tensions within PN over its decision-making process, particularly involving Bersatu and other component parties in the coalition. – September 25, 2026