The High Court here has ordered the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to suspend its decision to dissolve Balkis, the charity organisation of wives of assemblymen and members of parliament in Selangor.

However, judicial commissioner Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, who made the decision in his chambers today, ruled that the Wawasan Balkis complex could continue to be managed by Bakti, the charity organisation of wives of ministers and deputy minister, until the Balkis case was settled.

Lawyer Derek J Fernandez, who represented the Selangor government (applicant), told reporters the management of other assets of Balkis like cash reserves had been frozen and could not be used.

"We are satisfied with this decision and it also guarantees that Balkis' assets will not be affected. On the ruling pertaining to the Wawasan Balkis complex, we have no problem with it, furthermore it is a place for children to study and play," he said.

Battle over Balkis funds

Balkis became embroiled in controversy following the BN’s defeat in Selangor in the 2008 general election.

The new Selangor government under the leadership of Abdul Khalid Ibrahim wanted the wives of its assemblymen and MPs to take over Balkis but ran into problems because of the ROS decision.

The Selangor government, Abdul Khalid's wife Salbiah Tunut, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad, Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad, Perbadanan Kerajaan Negeri Selangor and five others then sought leave for an order to quash ROS' decision to dissolve Balkis, and to reinstate its registration.

ROS was represented by senior federal counsel Fajrul Shihar Abu Samah.

- Bernama