KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Tourism Council (MTC) claims that the revocation of its organisation was orchestrated with hidden motives by certain parties, despite the management and its executive committee being committed to adhering to the stipulated registration guidelines.
The MTC secretariat expressed its frustration with the actions of a few individuals who attempted to divide the organisation and stated its hope to hold a meeting with the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, to discuss the recent developments.
The meeting aims to address and formulate resolutions that would preserve MTC's role and enable it to face challenges within the national tourism sector.
"MTC is hopeful that this matter can be constitutionally resolved, and justice can be upheld accordingly. The management and executive committee of MTC remain steadfast and committed to the constitution and the principles of the organisation. Every action taken is carried out with careful consideration, transparency, and compliance with the established legal provisions," stated its press release today.
Previously, it was reported that the Registry of Societies (RoS) had revoked the registration of the MTC, effective last Thursday.
Former secretary-general of MTC, Datuk Noorzaleha Baharuddin, stated that the revocation was made after the RoS found that the MTC intentionally committed violations contrary to the Societies Act 1966 (Act 335).
However, she did not elaborate on the specific violations committed by MTC that led to the RoS revoking the organisation's registration.
Meanwhile, director general of RoS, Mohd Nawardi Saad, confirmed the revocation and explained that it was done in accordance with Section 13(1)(c)(iv) of Act 335.
"The revocation came after an investigation into several issues, particularly concerning constitutional violations and issues related to the organisation's governance," he said, declining to disclose further details of the investigation into MTC.
It is understood that the revocation is linked to allegations of breach of trust and corruption involving a local tourism organisation that assisted the government in marketing and promoting domestic tourism products.
On October 22, President of MTC, Uzaidi Udanis, was reported to have terminated MATA's (Malaysian Association of Tourism Agencies) membership abruptly, without stating firm reasons.
As a result, MATA lodged an official complaint with the RoS, urging the department to investigate the matter on January 6.
Subsequently, after the investigation, the RoS issued a notice under Section 31(2) of the Societies Act to MTC for intentionally violating its registered constitution.
The termination of MATA's membership was said to be in violation of the law and regulations, and MTC was also accused of seven other charges, including involving unauthorised personnel in signing the organisation's cheques.
MTC was also alleged to have appointed an illegitimate secretary, violated its registered constitution, and spent organisation funds exceeding RM100,000 without the approval of the MTC Annual General Meeting.
Additionally, the Annual General Meeting in 2022 was said to have been conducted in non-compliance with the constitution, and changes to the registered address, office location, and correspondence were made without the RoS's permission, while the MTC EXCO faces possible charges of breach of trust.
