KUALA LUMPUR (June 25): The High Court today ordered Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to make a decision on an appeal by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad-led Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) on its registration within 14 days.
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The decision was made by Justice Datuk Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Shahid as he found that for five and a half months until today, there had been no response by Hamzah on the party’s registration.
“The court finds that the minister has breached his statutory duty or omission in making a decision on Pejuang’s appeal. A convenience time as stipulated means as soon as possible or within reasonable time.
“The time taken to decide for five and half months in not coming to a decision is so long as to matters pertaining to a party’s registration. Hence, the court directs the minister to decide within 14 days from today on Pejuang’s appeal,” he said.
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Justice Ahmad Shahid made no order as to costs.
He, however, did not allow Pejuang’s prayers for the party to force Hamzah to direct the Registrar of Societies (RoS) to register the party as that is outside the scope of Section 18 of the Societies Act 1966.
Justice Ahmad Shahid said the home minister himself is entrusted in making the decision, which should be quicker than forcing a commission with nine members to decide on the matter.-The Edge Market