KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 ― Barely two months old, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) could be deregistered soon if it persists in using “Bersatu” as an abbreviation in its programmes.
The Registrar of Societies (Ros) issued a letter dated November 8 warning the Umno offshoot that stern action, including deregistration, awaited them if they failed to comply with the Societies Act 1966 and Societies Regulations 1984, The Star reported today.
The report cited registrar Nawawi Mat saying in the letter that the party is prohibited from using the word “Bersatu” as a short form in its buntings, posters, publications and speeches among others.
The party was co-founded by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and approved in early September.
Current Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had previously warned the party to use the initials PPBM in all its activities as per its application for registration.
The party had initially applied for “Bersatu” as its abbreviation, but Ahmad Zahid who is also home minister said the term was rejected because there were six other parties and organisations with the same word in their names.
In a posting on the party’s Facebook page last night, PPBM secretary-general Datuk Dr Sharuddin Md Salleh said many members were disappointed with the prohibition and the warning as they had associated “Bersatu” with the party.
“However, we must abide by the reminder as we do not want this issue to endanger all the efforts made to strengthen the party.
“As such, all are advised to use Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia as the name or its abbreviation PPBM in all official party matters,” he wrote.
