Murugiah Withdraws Application Agaisnt ROS' Order

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk T. Murugiah on Tuesday withdrew his application for leave for a judicial review to quash the Registrar of Societies' declaration that Datuk M. Kayveas is the rightful president of the People's Progressive Party (PPP).

Justice Datuk Mohd Zawawi Salleh allowed the withdrawal in chambers and ordered Murugiah to pay RM3,000 costs.

Murugiah was represented by counsel Mohana Krishnan while senior federal counsel Nadia Tajuddin appeared for the ROS and counsel Simon Sabapathy held a watching brief for PPP.

Murugiah filed the application on April 26 seeking an order of certiorari to quash the ROS' decision which was made on Aug 26 last year and a declaration that it is ultra vires and unlawful.

Murugiah also wanted the court to declare that the ROS had no jurisdiction under the Societies Act to make any decision on the validity or otherwise of the party's extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held on May 24 last year.

The ROS had not only confirmed Kayveas as PPP president but also ruled that Murugiah's appointment as party president at the EGM was invalid.

The ROS also held that Murugiah's expulsion from the party was done in accordance with provisions of the party constitution and as such, was valid.