THE delay in Pakatan Harapan’s registration as a coalition is due to problems affecting component parties DAP and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, according to Home Ministry officers.

This was conveyed to a Pakatan delegation at the Home Ministry today. 

The delegation had hoped to discuss the delay with Home Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, however, was not at his office as he was meeting Prime Minister Najib Razak at the Prime Minister’s Office.

“We didn’t get to meet the minister, even though the ministry knew Pakatan’s component parties’ presidents were coming today. But the minister had other things to attend to,” Pakatan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

“We were told that the minister was meeting the prime minister. Of course, that is more important than Pakatan’s application.

“They (Home Ministry officers) told us the delay for Pakatan’s registration as a coalition was due to DAP and Bersatu’s problems.”

Dr Mahathir said they were able to meet the secretary-general and told him about their issues.

“They  heard our qualms and that we want the coalition to be approved as soon as possible because we need sufficient time to prepare for the general election. Two weeks is not enough time for us to prepare.

“He said he understood and told us the reason for the delay. But had they told us about this earlier, we could have handled it sooner,” said Dr Mahathir.

The 92-year-old former prime minister said Pakatan had no intention of going against the government.

“We will no longer meet with the Registrar of Societies as we already know (what the problems are) and we will take action on the issues.” – November 20, 2017.