Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is now officially registered as a political party, after having received approval from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) today.

The ROS gave the green light after Bersatu explained the role of its president and chairperson, as outlined in the party's constitution.

Former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin is to be the party's pro tem president, while former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be the pro tem chairperson.

"The reason we included both the positions of president and chairperson in the party constitution is to ensure a check and balance, so that the party can remain honest and transparent in its operations.

"Secondly, it will allow the party to be seen as one that follows the wishes of the rakyat," Muhyiddin told reporters after meeting with the ROS.

He said he told this to the ROS, which accepted his explanation.

Muhyiddin added that the party had also made slight adjustments to its logo, as per ROS' request.

Birth of Bersatu

During the press conference, Mahathir held Bersatu's 'birth certificate' aloft to the media, a wide smile spread across his face.

Party members present also prayed to Allah that the newly-registered party would be a success.

When asked to comment on ROS banning the party from promoting itself using the name 'Bersatu', Muhyiddin said they were quite unhappy with this.

But they accepted the condition in order to get the party registered.

“We don't want to fight over this matter because, as Mahathir advised, what matters is that the party's registration is approved, and we will follow each of ROS' orders,” said Muhyiddin.

He added that Bersatu would make membership forms available as soon as possible, perhaps even by next Wednesday.

Muhyiddin said a registration fee of RM1 and annual fee of RM2 would be imposed on those interested in joining the party.

“We are unsure of our membership target, but we want to get a huge number of new members, and we will campaign across the country,” said the former Umno deputy president.

Meanwhile, Mahathir said Bersatu will only be holding its first general assembly next year, due to time constraints.

“The general assembly will decide on what the party wants, including party polls,” he said.