The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) which was deregistered by the Federal Territory Registrar of Societies (ROS) last week has been given a six-month reprieve by the Home Affairs Ministry to put its house in order.

Home Ministry secretary general Mahmood Adam said in a statement today that the MMA had made an appeal, seeking the withdrawal of the deregistration and the ministry has decided to postpone the decision.

"However, if MMA fails to comply to the requirements outlined under the law and ROS during the stipulated period, the deregistration of MMA will automatically come into force," he said.

In October, ROS had issued a show-cause letter to the MMA, a 60-year-old association, following alleged irregularities in the running of the organization as well as the election of its office bearers.

It is understood the MMA was given two weeks to explain four charges against it on matters relating to the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) and election of office bearers, held in May.

Last week, its president Dr Mary Suma Cardosa had said that MMA sent a letter of appeal to the home minister in accordance with the procedure set out under the Societies Act 1966.

- Bernama