Mahathir party deregistered close to Malaysia polls
The 92-year-old Mahathir, who was premier for 22 years, came out of political retirement last year to spearhead the opposition challege to his former protege Najib.
Recommended articles
![The plan will come into effect before the end of 2024 [Go Banking Rates]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "The plan will come into effect before the end of 2024 [Go Banking Rates]")
Local media reported the Registry of Societies has ordered his new Bersatu party to disband for 30 days for not fulfilling a notice requesting party details.
The party runs the risk of being permanently disbanded if it does not comply.
However, Bersatu officials said the move would not stop them from taking part in the polls which are expected in weeks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Najib is fighting to win a third term at the head of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition which has governed Malaysia since independence in 1957.
He has been battling allegations that billions of dollars were looted from the 1MDB sovereign wealth fund he founded. Both Najib and the fund deny any wrongdoing.
He faces a tough challenge from a reinvigorated opposition led by his former boss Mahathir, who returned to the fray as anger mounted over the allegations.
University of Tasmania's Asia Institute director James Chin criticised the disbanding move as helping to aid Najib's election chances.
"They are so blatant to issue this on the eve of the elections," he told AFP.
ADVERTISEMENT
"It's very clear that this is a targeted move."
Bersatu supreme council member Rais Hussin condemned the move, but did not appear worried about the party's chances in the polls.
"This will not impact us in terms of the ability to contest or the ability to form a government," he told AFP.
"We expected this. It's not a surprise. It's not something shocking."
He said the four parties of the main opposition alliance Pact of Hope planned to contest under a single banner, though he declined to say which one.
ADVERTISEMENT
Local media reports have speculated that the coalition will use the flag of jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's People's Justice Party.
The most remarkable aspect of Mahathir's return to frontline politics has been a rapprochement with his former heir-apparent-turned nemesis Anwar.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
'I don’t know where to start from' — man laments destruction of Lagos beach business
May Day: President Bola Tinubu’s speech
Bishop Oyedepo issues crucial message to 'Yahoo Yahoo' enterprises
FG confirms new minimum wage will take effect from May 1, 2024
House of Reps assures end to fuel queues soon, says scarcity temporary
Borno retirees demand pension increase, lament ₦4,000 monthly payment
Government plans to reduce daily working time by 1 hour
Akpabio pledges better wages, working conditions for Nigerian workers
Workers shouldn't only celebrate but build productive workforce - First Lady
ADVERTISEMENT
![The Senate leadership dissociated itself from this action [Difference Between]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "The Senate leadership dissociated itself from this action [Difference Between]")