The application for a certiorari and mandamus order by the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) against the Home Affairs Ministry's refusal to register it was postponed today by the Kuala Lumpur High Court to Dec 13.

Reporters were informed of the date by the Attorney-General Chamber's Civil Division head Azahar Mohamed after deliberations with PSM's legal team in presiding judge KC Vohrah's chambers.

Representing PSM were Tommy Thomas, Ragu Kesavan and Teng Chan Kin.

PSM filed the suit on Oct 26 last year. It had applied to be registered as a political party on April 30, 1998 but received a letter of rejection from the Home Affairs Ministry on Jan 27, 1999 with no reasons given for the denial.

According to Bernama (Mar 21, 2000), certiorari is "a remedy in which a court orders decisions of administrative authorities, among others, to be brought before it and quashes them if they are ultra vires". An order of mandamus is an order to force the decision of the court on the official.

Supporters fill courtroom

PSM sent in an appeal to the ministry on Feb 23, 1999 but the latter replied in a letter dated Sept 15, 1999 that the decision of the Home Affairs Minister was final.

In its summons, PSM stated the application for certiorari was to set aside the Home Ministry's decision in denying PSM's appeal and the application for a mandamus order was to have the court force the Home Ministry to allow PSM to be registered as a party.

PSM pro-tem chairperson is Nasir Hashim, a medical doctor and a former ISA detainee, the vice president is Dr D Jayakumar, and its secretary is social activist S Arutchelvan.

Some 50 supporters of PSM filled the courtroom at the High Court this morning. According to Nasir, the supporters had come from Perak, Kajang and Subang.

After the case was announced postponed, the supporters gathered in front of the High Court building shouting "Hidup sosialis!" (Long live socialism) and waving banners of PSM's symbol which is a raised left fist on a red background.

"We have fought long enough. We may be a small party but we have a big heart!" said Nasir.