Not happy? Take it to court, Saifuddin says on exemption for Umno

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail yesterday defended his decision to grant Umno exemption in accordance with Section 70 of the Societies Act 1966 (Act 832) regarding the party's election, describing it as applicable.

He said if Umno members who had previously brought the issue to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) were not satisfied with the decision, they could take it to court.

"Party members, after taking the case to RoS, and the RoS gives a decision or the minister has given a decision and they are still not satisfied, can take it to court. 

"The process is that he has to give the basis of his statement, prepare an affidavit, then name who is the defendant," he told reporters when met in the lobby of the Parliament building.

Earlier, when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2023 for the home ministry, Saifuddin said the exemption given to Umno was based on Section 70 of Act 832.

"Section 70 of the act specifically allows the minister to make some exceptions and the decision I made was directed to the exception of compliance with Section 13 of the same act," he said.

Saifuddin previously said he had granted Umno an exemption from compliance with Section 13(1)(c)(iv) of Act 832, regarding its additional motion not to contest the positions of president and deputy president in its election this year.

The exemption was given in accordance with Section 70 of the act which provides that the minister may use his discretion to exempt any registered organisation from all or any of the provisions in Act 832.