Court allows DAP’s application to strike out Asoghan’s suit

(Bernama) – The Sessions Court here today allowed the application by the DAP to strike out the writ of summons and statement of claim by former Bagan Luar DAP branch head, G. Asoghan concerning his expulsion as a party member.

Judge Mahmud Abdullah, in his decision, also ordered Asoghan to pay cost of RM3,000 to the defendant.

In his judgement, Mahmud said the court had no power to hear the plaintiff’s claim and make any political party’s decision on whatever matter based on section 18(c) of the Societies Act 1966.

“The court’s power is limited on the issues raised by the plaintiff. As such, the application is allowed with cost of RM3,000,” he said.

Meanwhile, Asoghan’s counsel, V. Amareson said he would file an appeal within 14 days.

“We have 14 days to file an appeal. We will fight until the end,” he said.

Lawyer Ram Karpal Singh represented the defendant.

In June last year, Asoghan, 56, as the plaintiff, filed the suit and named the chairman of the DAP Disciplinary Committee, Tan Kok Wai and its secretary, Tai Sing Piau as well as party committee members M. Kulasegaran, Dr P.Ramasamy and Lim Hock Seng as defendants.

Asoghan claimed that his dismissal was invalid because the Registrar of Societies (ROS) did not recognise the DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) that was appointed through an election on December 15, 2012.