PAS and its allies must choose an emblem for Melaka’s Nov. 14 election after Malaysia canceled Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) registration, its secretary-general said, while raising the possibility of a new coalition.
Barisan Nasional Chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his alliance would contest 21 of the state assembly’s 28 seats, while PAS and its allies would contest seven, Bernama reported Oct. 21. He said the leadership of PAS and its allies would decide which emblem their candidates use.
PN Secretary-General Takiyuddin Hassan said some parties might try to establish a new PN coalition, citing information he had received, Sinar Harian reported. He did not identify those parties or confirm whether Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) was involved. Any proposed coalition would need to register with the authorities, he said.
The Oct. 20 cancellation of PN’s registration followed a complaint from coalition member Bersatu, which alleged that it had been excluded from a PN leadership meeting. The Registrar of Societies (ROS) said PN’s response to an earlier notice failed to rebut the grounds for cancellation and did not provide sufficient justification to retain its registration.
Takiyuddin said PAS would consult its political partners about an election symbol because the PN logo could no longer be used. The question remains open even after Ahmad Zahid announced how many seats each side intended to contest.
Barisan Nasional won 21 of Melaka’s 28 seats in the 2021 state election, while Pakatan Harapan won five and PN won two, Bernama reported.
Takiyuddin said PN planned to challenge its deregistration and seek to put the decision on hold, according to Bernama. A court is scheduled to hear PN’s application concerning an earlier suspension of its activities on Oct. 22. Candidate nominations are set for Oct. 31.
