PUTRAJAYA: The Registrar of Societies (RoS) has given his final stamp of approval for Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s new Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), making it now an official political party.
This came about following a meeting between the party’s seven founding members and the RoS here this morning.
“Today, we are here to accept the approval of our registration. We thank the RoS for approving the registration within 30 days as promised,” PPBM President Muhyiddin Yassin told reporters after the meeting.
The new party, however, had to clarify the role of its chairman (Mahathir) and its president (Muhyiddin Yassin), as stated in the party’s constitution.
“The positions of president and chairman in the party’s constitution is meant to ensure that there is a check and balance so that the party can remain honest and transparent.
“It will also allow the party to be seen as one that abides by the wishes of the rakyat,” Muhyiddin said, adding that the RoS had also requested the party to tweak its logo, which it did.
He said with the approval, the party could now step up its efforts to oust the Barisan Nasional government, legally.
The public can start applying for membership by the third week of this month.
“All this while, there were a lot of people who asked as to when they could join.
“Today, we will send our registration number to the printing outlets. I have been assured that by Sept 14, the (registration) forms will be ready to be distributed to all those interested in becoming party members.
“And by the third week of September, everyone will be able to register online as well.”
Asked to provide a rough estimate of the expected membership, Muhyiddin said the party was hoping for a “big number” as the feedback from the party leaders had been overwhelming.
He said they would also embark on a nationwide recruitment drive soon, and would appoint representatives at state and parliamentary levels.
These representatives would be the point of reference for those interested in joining the party, he added.
PPBM had previously said it would be working with the federal Opposition Pakatan Harapan to take down BN in the next general election.
Muhyiddin commenting on RoS’ request for his party to change its “Bersatu” acronym, said he was not too happy about it.
However, the party leaders heeded the request so PPBM would not be denied the chance to see the light of day.
“From the day that we submitted our registration form, we had our own idea in regards to the acronym, which is very catchy. I think it can attract a lot of attention.
“(But) we don’t want to fight over this as we were advised by Mahathir that what matters is for the party’s registration to be approved, and so we will follow ROS’ requests.”