DEPUTY Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied having a hand in the delay of Pakatan Harapan’s registration as a formal coalition. 

Zahid, who is also home minister, said the delay was because the Registrar of Societies (RoS) has yet to receive a full report on DAP’s central executive committee (CEC) re-elections, held on November 12, and another component party, Bersatu’s failure to hold an annual general meeting since its formation a year ago. 

“I’m not involved in the matter, whether the application will be accepted or rejected. 

“It’s up to them to interpret it but I’m very professional and will leave it to the secretary-general of the ministry and RoS to decide,” he told reporters at a press conference at the Parliament lobby today. 

Earlier today, Home Ministry officers told a PH delegation that the delay was due to problems affecting its component parties, DAP and Bersatu.

Home Ministry secretary-general Alwi Ibrahim, who was present at the press conference, said RoS could only proceed with the approval if the component parties complied and resolved the concerns raised. 

The PH delegation, led by its chairman, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, wanted to discuss the delay with Zahid.

Zahid, however, was not at his office as he was at a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Dr Mahathir, the 92-year-old former prime minister, said PH has 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 act on the issues,” Dr Mahathir said. – November 20, 2017.