Sikh veterans association’s suspension lifted for AGM

The veteran affairs department in Malaysia has revoked the suspension imposed on the Sikh Veterans Association and mandated the group to hold its annual general meeting (AGM) as soon as possible. Suwaran Singh, a member of the MAFSVA's mediation team, informed FMT that the department accepted the association's request to lift the suspension on the condition that the AGM be held promptly.

During their meeting with the department's director-general, Semaon Marjuki, the mediation team conveyed their suggestions and explanations, which Marjuki accepted. The department emphasized that the AGM's agenda should include the appointment of an independent forensic auditor to audit the association's financial statements for the fiscal years 2024 to 2026. The MAFSVA is responsible for covering the costs of the auditor's services.

The veteran affairs department suspended the Sikh Veterans Association earlier this year due to allegations of misappropriated funds and a lack of transparency in financial reports. In a letter sent on August 21 to the MAFSVA, the department granted the association four months to engage an independent auditor and submit a report detailing the findings. Marjuki assured the association that it would cooperate with the auditing team as advised by the department. The AGM is scheduled to take place on September 16.