Urimai has once again been granted leave by the High Court here to challenge the government’s refusal to register it as a political party.
Justice Aliza Sulaiman allowed the application made by Urimai’s pro-tem secretary, Satees Muniandy, after the attorney-general (AG) raised no objections.
The court also set the matter for case management on Sept 11.
This marks the second time the court has granted the political entity leave to initiate judicial review proceedings.
On July 4 last year, the Registrar of Societies rejected Urimai’s application, prompting it to file an appeal to the minister.
On Dec 20, Urimai brought its initial leave application, citing ministerial silence as regards its appeal. The application was allowed by the High Court on Feb 27 this year.
On March 7, the home minister formally rejected Urimai’s appeal, giving rise to the present leave application.
Urimai’s interim deputy chairman P David Marshel welcomed the court’s decision.
“Courts are our last resort to uphold our constitutional right to democratic freedom,” he said, thanking the AG’s Chambers for not objecting.
Lawyer Tony Thian appeared for Urimai.
Senior federal counsel Nor Idayu Amir represented the AG in the proceedings. She was not present in court today, but communicated the AG’s position in writing via e-filing.
