THE now defunct Malaysia Tourism Council (MTC) is seeking the Home Ministry’s help to get its de-registration rescinded by the Registrar of Societies (ROS). 

MTC spokesman Fathir Badri Alhadad told The Malaysian Insight the council was not given a say in the decision.

The council announced on Tuesday that it had been de-registered by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) following complaints from former MTC secretary-general Noorzaleha Baharuddin.

Fathir said Noorzaleha could have opted to take legal action for redress if she had been wronged.

“Take legal action or meet with the ROS to address the issue instead of getting us shut down,” he said.

He said MTC had 30 days from July 20 to appeal to the Home Ministry.

On Thursday, Noorzaleha said MTC had violated its constitution. 

She said MTC had held an AGM last yearm which was not in accordance with its constitution, and sacked her from her post as secretary-general.  Chong Jing Kong was appointed to replace her. 

Noorzaleha accused the MTC comittee of “signing cheques without approval from the secretary-general and exceeding expenses over RM100,000 without the approval of MTC”.

She said the ROS had revoked the registration of MTC in accordance with the Societies Act 1966 after finding evidence of wrongdoing.

Fathir said the MTC has asked to meet with Home Ninister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. 

“We want to appeal for the cancellation (of MTC) to be withdrawn.

“The ministry should reconsider our deregistration because we have not done anything wrong.

“The issue is Noorzaleha. Instead of looking into the council, they should look into her.”

He said Noorzaleha was fired from the council last year. 

“Noorzaleha was fired so she has no locus standi to make any reports to the ROS.”

Fathir added MTC wishes to be allowed to hold an election,

“MTC is not in the wrong here,” he said.

It was previously reported that the ROS was also looking into allegations of breach of trust and corruption involving domestic tourism organisations.

On October 22 last year, MTC president Uzaidi Udanis terminated the membership of the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (Mata) without providing a reason.

On January 6, Mata secretary-general Izyan Dayana filed an official complaint with the ROS, calling for a detailed probe into the termination.

Following a probe, the ROS issued a notice to MTC under section 31(2) of the Societies Act for terminating Mata’s membership, which was deemed to be illegal.

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.

Following de-registeration, MTC said that “despite our efforts in adhering to the registration guidelines, certain ulterior motives have prevailed”.

It also said that a police investigation was ongoing into alleged mismanagement of MTC funds. – July 29 2023.