Zahid defends registrar's suspension of Perikatan Nasional

Zahid said the registrar bears responsibility for safeguarding the welfare of members belonging to organisations under its purview, and that the suspension action was neither arbitrary nor unprecedented. The move reflects the registrar's duty to ensure compliance with statutory requirements governing political coalitions in Malaysia.

The deputy prime minister's statement comes as Perikatan Nasional seeks clarity on the reasons behind the suspension and the timeline for its resolution. The coalition, which includes Parti Islam Se-Malaysia and other component parties, has previously indicated its intention to address any regulatory concerns raised by the authorities.

The Registrar of Societies has authority over the registration and administration of political parties and coalitions operating in Malaysia. Officials have indicated that the suspension was issued following a review of Perikatan Nasional's compliance with relevant regulations.

Zahid's comments represent the government's position on the matter, signalling that the administration views the regulatory action as a legitimate exercise of statutory powers rather than political intervention. The coalition's constituent parties have been separately registered entities, which may impact their operational status during the suspension period.