PPBM members file 249 complaints with RoS

DPM says 47 of these relate to violations of its constitution. The agency is obliged to look into every single grievance.

THE Registry of Societies (RoS) has received 249 complaints from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) members to date.

In revealing this yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said RoS was obliged to look into the complaints.

“Of the 249 complaints, 47 have elements that the party is violating its own constitution, as well as the party’s rules and regulations,” he said after chairing a committee meeting to address congestion in the Johor Causeway.

Zahid, who is also home minister, said RoS had been executing its duties in a professional manner, with no affiliated interest with any organisation.

He said this in response to criticisms levelled against RoS by some PPBM leaders.

“As someone who once led the government before, he (PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) should know that during his time, too, the same rules and regulations applied, as stipulated under the Societies Act 1966.

“The act states that the RoS is tasked to look after the interests of the people, especially members of any association, including political parties, based on the organisations’ respective constitutions.

“Don’t blame RoS when those who point fingers do not follow their own party’s constitution,” he said.

To behave in such a manner, Zahid added, would reflect their “kejahilan” (ignorance).

PPBM’s failure to carry out meetings at branch and division levels before holding its annual general meeting (AGM) was one of the complaints lodged by its members.

“Those who attended the PPBM AGM were not representatives chosen by the party division and branch members,” said Zahid.

It was reported that the PPBM constitution states that those attending the party AGM must be representatives chosen at division and branch level.

The complaints lodged against PPBM were that since these divisions and branches had not held their elections, the AGM should be null and void.

On DAP, Zahid said RoS had sent a letter to the party on Monday to inform the party of its findings regarding the central executive committee (CEC) re-election held last year.

He said RoS had concluded that the re-election had adhered to the requirements.

“The letter is to acknowledge the re-election process and that DAP had complied with RoS directives (which were) based on the party’s constitution.”

The CEC re-election was held after RoS received complaints over the DAP CEC election that was held in 2012 and DAP CEC reelection on Sept 29, 2013.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir voiced concern yesterday that Pakatan Harapan would not be registered because of the many complaints lodged against PPBM with the RoS.

He said the opposition pact had yet to receive any response from RoS regarding its registration status.

Dr Mahathir, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said he was baffled as to why 400 PPBM members lodged the same complaints to RoS “on a regular basis”.

“Until today, we have not received any feedback from RoS (regarding Pakatan Harapan’s status). There have been many complaints claiming that the PPBM AGM was invalid as it had breached the party’s constitution. If these complaints keep on coming, then this will affect Pakatan’s registration process.”

Dr Mahathir said the pact had a backup plan should it not be registered in time for the 14th General Election (GE14) as this would mean it would not be able to contest as a coalition.

However, he declined to reveal those plans.