Tun Faisal urges new Political Parties Act after PN deregistration dispute

Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, the information chief of Bersatu, proposed that Malaysia enact a Political Parties Act to regulate parties separately from the Societies Act 1966. His call follows the Registrar of Societies' decision to deregister the Perikatan Nasional coalition, a move he questioned for its executive influence despite the Registrar being appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Faisal said the proposed law should cover coalition formation procedures, require parties to disclose assets, expenditures and donations, and establish a special tribunal for resolving disputes among members and coalitions.

He pointed to Kenya's Political Parties Act 2011, which uses a selection committee of party representatives, legal experts and other stakeholders to oversee its registrar. Faisal urged Malaysian political leaders and relevant parties to start talks on adopting similar legislation as a long-term solution to political conflicts. The High Court has temporarily halted PN's deregistration, allowing the coalition to contest the upcoming Melaka state election under its banner, while the Registrar has appealed the stay.