Bersih cadang akta baharu kawal selia parti politik

The Bersih reformist group has called for the enactment of a new act to regulate political parties independently from other organizations, following the controversy surrounding the withdrawal of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) registration by the Organizations Registration Department (JPPM). Faisal Abdul Aziz, Bersih's chairperson, stated that the current Act of Associations 1966 does not adequately address issues of independence for registrars from executive influence, although Section 3(1) clearly states that registrar nominations are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He believes a dedicated Political Parties Act would serve as a long-term solution, allowing political parties to be registered and regulated separately from other entities. Citing Kenya's 2011 Political Parties Act as an example, Faisal noted that the legislation outlines the procedures for establishing and electing responsible polling committee members, including presidential candidates, non-executive members, parliamentary and Senate representatives, and other stakeholders.

The proposed legislation should also cover the registration of political parties' assets, expenditures, and political donations, he added. Faisal further proposed the establishment of a dedicated tribunal to adjudicate disputes among party members, between party members and the party, and between coalition members, providing a platform for all parties involved to seek justice and a fair hearing.

On Thursday, the High Court granted a stay on the withdrawal of PN's registration while awaiting the outcome of a joint review of the matter by the joint review panel and the Attorney-General. Subsequently, both the Appeal Court and the Home Minister appealed against the stay. PN subsequently filed an appeal seeking a review of the stay and another separate notice to delay its activities for an unspecified period. This notice was filed by the senior secretary of five component parties of PN, excluding Bersatu.