Kuching-based Assistant Registrar of Societies Wan Mohammad Wan Ahmad today denied that his staff were colluding with any faction in Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) over the submission of annual returns of party branches to his office.

A senior PBDS leader had claimed there were reports suggesting that some ROS staff appeared to be favouring or assisting the faction headed by presidential aspirant Dr James Masing. (photo)

Careful checks

Wan Mohammad said his office would accept any report or annual returns from branches as long these are complete, in order and include the appropriate forms bearing the signatures of at least two authorised branch officials.

The forms must be counter-signed by any of the principal office-bearers of the parent body such as the president, deputy president, any of the vice presidents, the secretary-general or treasurer.

Wan Mohammad also said the reports and annual returns would be rejected in the event that forms with signatures are photocopied or if the forms are not counter-signed.

"If we find they are not complete and not in order we will ask them to take them back and rectify (the omissions)," he said when contacted.

His office will reply in writing with these instructions if the documents are sent by mail, or verbally if submitted in person.

Preparing for problems

Wan Mohammad also stressed that as far as his office was concerned, his staff would not be able to distinguish between Team A and Team B members within PBDS.

He said his staff have been fully briefed o­n the matter and have been directed to ensure that the submission of the reports and annual returns comply with the law.

"We foresee some problems so we are very careful about it," he said.

Wan Mohammad said that even when his office accepts the reports and annual returns, these can still be challenged or subjected to review.

It is learnt that o­ne likely situation that may arise is where two rival factions duplicate reports and annual returns from a large number of similar branches.

"You're likely to find the ROS office having to look at the reports and annual returns of the same branches in many areas, with or without the original signatures of the same branch officials," an informed source said.

The party's supreme council meeting o­n May 25 will discuss and likely fix the date for the party's triennial delegates conference. Outgoing party president Leo Moggie will chair the meeting.