Registrar of Societies (ROS) director-general Md Alias Kalil has confirmed that a probe is underway into complaints against the Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) and the Indian Progressive Front (IPF).

"We are in the process of investigating and it (will) take some time. Be it (complaints about) sacking or dismissing someone or violation of bylaws, we are also looking at what needs to be done after the investigations," he said when contacted.

Asked if any of the leaders or members of MAICCI had met him, Md Alias said: "Many people visited me before (Hari) Raya."

However, he refused to disclose the findings of the investigations thus far.

Indian-based business group MAICCI came under fire after members complained that the president and management council breached Clause 10(1)(ii) of the constitution by failing to call for a Special Delegates Conference (SDC) after a vote of no confidence was passed early this year.

"The president blatantly violated the clause by failing to convene the SDC within the 90 days and if requested by one-third of the affiliated members as per (the) clause," stated a letter dated June 9 to Md Alias.

A second complaint alleged breach of Clause 10(a) because MAICCI did not convene the Annual Delegate Conference before June 30, giving six weeks notice.

ipf interview 210709 jayashree pandithan MAICCI is also said to have left vacant the posts of general secretary and assistant general secretary after these elected officials resigned in February.

The Kuala Lumpur & Selangor and Malacca chambers withdrew their elected delegates - deputy president S Shanta Kumar and vice-president Ramesh Kodammal - leaving only the president and vice-president left in a "non-functional" organisation.

Meanwhile, the IPF, a political party, is being investigated following Jayashree Pandithan's (left) appointment as president and suspension of vice-president V Senggutuan and deputy president V Mathialagan last year.

On Jan 30, the ROS wrote to the IPF pointing out that the party had violated its constitution, and warned that failure to comply with his rulings would result in it being deregistered under Section 13 of the Registration of Societies Act.