ROS notifies PN of deregistration, sources say

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Perikatan Nasional Faces Deregistration Threat as ROS Issues 30-Day Ultimatum Amid Leadership Crisis

The ROS letter, delivered to PN chairperson Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan on September 22, marks a dramatic escalation in the coalition’s unraveling. A PN source confirmed receipt of the notice, though the ROS has not publicly commented. The ultimatum arrives as PAS, the coalition’s largest component, has openly distanced itself from Bersatu, which has signaled plans to form a new political alliance.

The deregistration risk shows the fragility of PN’s remaining structure, with potential legal and political repercussions for its member parties ahead of future elections.

The ROS action stems from a July 16 complaint filed by Bersatu, alleging it had been excluded from PN’s supreme council meeting and accusing the coalition of marginalizing its role. The dispute intensified after PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang criticized Bersatu’s June 26 plan to contest multiple seats in Johor’s state election, stating the party lacked the necessary machinery. PAS further refused to mobilize its resources for Bersatu’s campaign, a stark departure from past cooperation.

In the August 1 Negeri Sembilan state election, Bersatu contested independently under its own logo, bypassing the PN brand entirely.

Hadi’s August 7 declaration that PAS no longer considered Bersatu part of the "PN family" followed Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement of plans to forge a new coalition. Muhyiddin, who led PN during its tenure as the ruling government, hinted at aligning with parties under Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR), including Putra and Parti Bersepakat Hak Rakyat Malaysia (Urimai). His remarks came after PAS’s growing assertiveness, including its refusal to support Bersatu’s electoral efforts.

The ROS notice compounds the coalition’s instability, with PAS now holding effective control over PN’s remaining operations. The 30-day response window—expiring on October 22—could force PN to either restructure under ROS guidelines or face dissolution. Legal experts warn that deregistration would strip PN of its official status, complicating its ability to participate in future elections or retain assets.

For Bersatu, the move may accelerate its breakaway, while PAS could emerge as the sole dominant force in the coalition’s remnants.

The fallout extends beyond politics, with potential economic and social implications. PN’s deregistration could disrupt grassroots initiatives tied to the coalition, including community programs and welfare projects, which rely on its legal standing. Businesses and NGOs previously affiliated with PN may also face uncertainty over partnerships or funding. Meanwhile, the ROS’s decision reflects broader regulatory scrutiny of political coalitions, particularly those with fractured leadership or unresolved disputes.

As the deadline approaches, PN’s component parties remain divided. Bersatu has not publicly responded to the ROS notice, though its leadership continues to push for a new alliance. PAS, meanwhile, has not commented on the deregistration threat, though its recent actions suggest it is prioritizing its own electoral strategy.

The outcome could reshape Malaysia’s political landscape, with Muhyiddin’s potential new coalition and PAS’s strengthened position setting the stage for a fragmented opposition ahead of the next general election.

The story concludes with the ROS notice’s expiration looming, leaving PN’s fate hanging in the balance. No further official statements have been issued, but the clock is ticking for the coalition to either reform or dissolve entirely.