PARTI Aspirasi Sains Malaysia’s (SAINS) application to be registered as a political party has been rejected by the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

The decision was sent via email on Friday. However, no reasons were stated for the rejection.

“SAINS, in no uncertain terms, strongly denounces ROS’ decision to reject its application without providing any valid reason,” the party’s communications and media office said in a statement today.

The application was made on June 9. 

SAINS secretary-general Afiq Harraz said the party will file an appeal against ROS’ decision.

He said the party’s central executive body will exhaust all legal remedies to defend its right to form an association, as enshrined in article 10(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution.

Birthed on Twitter as a satirical counterpoint to Islamist party PAS, SAINS has established itself as the first science-based party in Malaysia and apparently, only the third in the world.

The party’s headquarters is in Sarawak, which makes it the first national political party to have emerged from the state.

Just three months after it was set up, the party claimed to have more than 690 prospective members and four branches – one each in Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Utara for the northern states of Perak, Penang, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. – January 23, 2022.