Perikatan Nasional has been accused of violating its own constitution by barring Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) from participating fully in the coalition’s supreme council meetings. Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Bersatu secretary-general, said this breach formed the basis of the party’s formal complaint to the Registrar of Societies (ROS), which subsequently ordered a suspension of Perikatan’s activities beginning Wednesday.
According to Azmin, Bersatu lodged the complaint on August 11, citing the exclusion of its members from the coalition’s supreme council meeting held on July 16. The complaint also raised concerns about Bersatu's membership status within Perikatan. He noted that this exclusion violated Clause 7.1 of Perikatan’s constitution, which guarantees component parties the right to attend, express opinions, and vote in supreme council meetings.
Azmin further alleged that a "veto power" operated within Perikatan’s leadership, influencing council decisions. He claimed that individuals outside the official office bearers had publicly made statements amounting to threats or pressure aimed at removing Bersatu as a legitimate member party. He stated that such practices contradicted the powers vested in the Perikatan presidential council under the coalition’s constitution.
After submitting the complaint, Azmin said that he provided a statement to the ROS on August 18 and has cooperated fully with its investigation. The Registrar of Societies issued a media release on September 24 requesting Perikatan’s leadership to provide an explanation regarding the complaint. Following the investigation, ROS imposed a temporary suspension on Perikatan’s activities.
Azmin urged the coalition leadership not to undermine the authority of the Registrar of Societies by making unfounded accusations intended to garner political sympathy or divert attention from perceived leadership failures within Perikatan. The party's suspension halts its ability to conduct official functions until the issues raised have been resolved.