One of Sabah’s oldest political parties, United Pasok Nunukragang National Organisation (Pasok), has been deregistered, Registrar of Societies (ROS) Md Alias Kalil disclosed today.

The deregisteration of the 30-year-old political party is effective May 27, he said.

According to Md Alias, he issued the revocation order under Section 13(1)(c)(ix) of the Society Act 1966 following the party’s failure to resolve the leadership stalemate involving Cleftus Mojinggol, John Richard Jayasuria and Hendry Sabagang Rumpit who had all claimed to be the legitimate president of Pasok.

The Borneo Post quoted Cleftus as saying today that he had not received a copy of the order from the ROS yet.

He said he would refer the matter to the party’s team of legal advisers after receiving the document.

According to him, the problems of the party had actually been resolved during its annual delegates conference on May 23 when the new office bearers were elected.

Can submit an appeal

The delegates conference was held following a show cause letter issued by the ROS on why Pasok should not be deregistered, said Cleftus.

The ROS stated that it had on Feb 29 this year issued a revocation notice to the party, and decided to deregister Pasok after it failed to provide sufficient reasons on why it should not be deregistered.

Nevertheless, the ROS stated that the party is at liberty to submit an appeal under Section 18 of the Society Act 1966 against the decision to the home minister within 30 days from the date of deregistration.

In the March general election, Pasok had fielded several candidates but an eleventh hour ban from the ROS on the use of its logo had forced many of them to either withdraw or stand as independent candidates.

Meanwhile, John Richard said in a statement that the deregistration had denied some 7,000 party members in the state from participating actively in politics.