THERE was lots of drama at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Saturday.

The EGM was to resolve certain issues but instead matters almost got out of hand with more questions raised.

Datuk Joshua Tan had called the press conference to say that the EGM was illegal and pledged to refer the matter to the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

The EGM, meanwhile, resolved to declare the June AGM null and void, and to hold fresh polls for the association before Dec 19.

Ngiam Foon was appointed as caretaker president by the high court on Aug 21.

There was already tension earlier in the morning when some members were not allowed in as they had not verified their membership two weeks earlier.

Those denied entry were seen shouting outside the hall, where security guards maintained tight security.

'We sent notices to all members on Sep 25 asking them to verify their membership because there were unlawful delegates in the previous AGM.

'Reminders were sent out on Oct 9 and Oct 14 after we found that there was other information circulating which could confuse the members,' Ngiam told newsmen after the EGM.

'We do not prohibit the members from voting in the coming elections or joining the association's events but they need to verify their membership with documents,' Ngiam added.

He said that after the two-hour EGM, the 91 members present voted in agreement with the motion to declare the June AGM null and void.

'We have verified close to 300 members and it is an on-going process.

'We will also send notices to all members explaining what happened at the EGM, and urge them to verify their membership.

'Membership is between the company and the association, and not based on individuals,' he said.

On July 23, 16 exco members passed a vote of no-confidence against Tan and his deputy Rozana Rahmat.