Check and Balance

Someone has expressed concerns over possible abuse of funds and privileges once the Persatuan takes over the assets of its predecessor. It is a real concern and there are many associations that has succumbed to the temptations. Who is to blame for the slack and poor management? I would say the membership is responsible.

The rules of an association registered under the Societies Act of Malaysia require members to meet once a year under an Annual General Meeting or AGM to deliberate on the business of the organization. If necessary members can also call for an Emergency General Meeting or EGM to discuss urgent matters. The constitution can also be amended and any loopholes plugged to reduce possibilites of office bearers abusing their privileges or misappropriating the funds. It is therefore incumbent on members to read and understand the constitutions and to understand the nature of the work of the association so that they can safeguard the association from any misdeeds. Members are therefore guardians of the association, much like shareholders of a company. Their role is to protect the work of the association as if it belongs to them although they hold no personal interest.

That is why I blogged awhile back that whether an association do well or otherwise depends greatly on who the members are. Having ill-chosen members can lead to much headache. On the other hand, 'quality' membership will definitely do a world of good to the association. The big question is deciding who are really good enough to be members, who are not. In this regard there are bound to be many opinions as well as disagreement.

Personally I deem membership to be a privilege. While uncles and aunties are associated to a child not by choice, membership to Persatuan Berdikari Seremban is offered because the committee believes in the capabilities and skills of the persons invited.