The Registrar of Societies (ROS) has cancelled the registration of the Malaysia Tourism Council (MTC), effective last Thursday.
According to former MTC secretary-general Noorzaleha Baharuddin, this was after the council was found to be in violation of the Societies Act 1966 (Act 335).
"The ROS issued the cancellation notice effective July 20. Please be advised that any individual who uses MTC's name, or impersonates an MTC officer, will be in violation of Act 335," Noorzaleha said in a statement last night.
She did not specify the offence MTC had committed that led to the ROS' action.
According to Berita Harian, the cancellation could be related to allegations of breach of trust and corruption involving local tourism organisations that helped the government in marketing and promoting domestic tourism products.
On Oct 22 last year, MTC president Uzaidi Udanis terminated the membership of Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (Mata) without giving a valid reason.
On Jan 6, Mata secretary-general Izyan Dayana filed an official complaint with the ROS, calling for a detailed probe into the termination.
Following a probe, ROS issued a notice under Section 31 (2) of the Societies Act to MTC, for intentionally violating the registrar's constitution by terminating Mata's membership, which was deemed to be illegal and not in accordance with rules.
In addition, MTC was also alleged to have committed seven other offences, including having a cheque of the organisation signed by an unauthorised signatory, which is now the subject of a police investigation.
The Malay daily also reported that MTC had appointed a new secretary without board approval and spent in excess of RM100,000 of the council's money, without it being approved in the organisation's meeting.
MTC claps back, plans to appeal
Meanwhile, MTC has taken a swipe at Noorzaleha for allegedly causing the deregistration of the association.
In a statement today, MTC said “an ulterior motive has prevailed”, despite the unwavering commitment of MTC’s exco and management in adhering to the registration guidelines.
“Unfortunately, with this outcome, it has become evident that certain parties with ill intentions are finding satisfaction and victory.
“Despite the association's adherence to its constitution and commendable efforts during the pandemic, these ‘elements’ seem to be rejoicing over the setback faced by MTC.
“For the record, the police are still investigating the mismanagement of MTC's fund by Noorzaleha,” it said.
It asserted that MTC had diligently addressed queries posed by the ROS through interviews and official correspondents, and will file an appeal with Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on the matter.
“We hope to be given a chance to meet with the minister in the near future. The meeting aims to discuss the matter extensively and seek a just resolution to preserve the essence of MTC and its vital role in advancing Malaysia's tourism industry.
“We firmly believe in upholding justice and defending the sanctity of our constitution. It is our hope that truth and fairness will eventually prevail,” it said. - Mkini
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