The Sarawak National Party (Snap), which has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since April, will know its fate at the hands of the Registrar of Societies early next week.

"I'm still studying the papers," said ROS Ismail Dolah Harun, referring to the written replies submitted by party leaders to his show-cause letter on why Snap should not be de-registered.

"I will let them know my answer by early next week," he added when contacted today.

Ismail also denied rumours that a decision had already been made on the matter.

The ROS' decision had been widely expected by the party's rival factions on Oct 15 one month after copies of the show-cause letter were sent to president James Wong Kim Min, deputy president Peter Tinggom, 'president' William Mawan and secretary-general Justine Jinggut.

Both Wong and Justine are being challenged by a group of rebels lead by Mawan and Tinggom, who appeared to have the back of a majority of the party's grassroots.

Legal action

Mawan, who was elected as the new 'president' by members of his faction recently, told the media that he and his men were prepared for the worst.

"We will accept whatever decision made by the ROS," he said.

The Mawan faction was reported to have said to be planning to form a new party if Snap is de-registered.

Meanwhile, Wong said he would take the ROS to court if the party, which he led since 1981, is de-registered.

On the other hand, his rivals have also warned of legal action against the ROS if he ruled in favour of a status quo.