In a statement, Noorzaleha Baharuddin cited a notice sent by RoS to MTC on April 11 on the tourism council’s deregistration under Section 13(2) of the Societies Act 1966.

The reasons cited by RoS included Noorzaleha’s “unconstitutional” dismissal as secretary-general and her replacement by Chong Jing Kong.

“MTC also breached Article 5.2 of the constitution by irregularly dismissing the Malaysian International Tourism Development Association and the Malaysian Tourism Agency Association as council members,” RoS said.

It said the council violated Article 10.5 of its constitution by incurring more than RM100,000 in expenses at one time, which was not approved at a general meeting.

It said MTC had also failed to get the honorary secretary-general to sign off on its cheques, and changed its postal address without informing RoS.

RoS also said MTC intentionally violated Article 7 of its constitution by holding an annual general meeting without following the constitutional guidelines.

The council was officially deregistered on July 20.

Yesterday, its former secretariat said MTC’s deregistration was due to “certain parties with ill intentions” and that despite efforts to work collaboratively with all members, “a divisive agenda prevailed”.

Noorzaleha said numerous reports had been lodged with the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against committee members who allegedly committed offences, and that investigations were ongoing.

The secretariat also said its executive committee and management had strictly adhered to its constitution and principles, and that they have “diligently addressed any queries posed by RoS through interviews and official correspondence”.

It hoped to discuss the matter with the home minister and seek a just resolution “to preserve the essence of MTC” and its vital role in advancing the tourism industry.