GEORGE TOWN – One of Penang’s most visible representations for the elderly – the Society of Active Generation of Elders (SAGE) – has been suspended following allegations of a “back door” takeover.
The Registrar of Societies (RoS) handed down the suspension after a complaint was lodged by SAGE-affiliated parties last year over an unsanctioned annual general meeting (AGM) that led to claims of a dubious election of office-bearers at the Caring Society Complex here.
SAGE founding member and long-serving chairman Chin Sek Ham confirmed the decision to The Vibes, saying an AGM went ahead without the approval from 11 out of the 14 committee members.
Chin, a retired teacher, had helmed SAGE for the last two decades, and helped position the organisation as a representative for issues related to senior citizenship needs and rights, but he was apparently ousted by secretary Datuk Dr Ong Hean Tee, a veteran community leader.
As Penang is approaching an aging society status, SAGE is expected to play a prominent role in the state.
According to committee members, an AGM scheduled for last year was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and a notice of deferment was issued via WhatsApp and phone calls following the resulting movement control orders.
But the notice allegedly did not reach all 4,500 members, as another faction led by Ong went ahead to hold an AGM, in which he was elected president.
When informed of the AGM, some committee members rushed to the event but claimed to have been barred from entering by two handlers.
“We made attempts to reconcile the matter with Ong, but it was not possible,” said a committee member.
“So, we lodged a complaint with RoS, which has suspended the organisation pending an investigation.”
Chin said he will leave the matter to RoS, but added that it is most unfortunate the incident happened amid a deadly pandemic.
Ong has reserved his comments, saying that the matter is under RoS’ purview, while SAGE adviser Phee Boon Poh, who is also state welfare, caring society and environment exco, said it is best to wait for the probe to end.
On vaccine registration of senior citizens, Phee said the state will step up efforts to raise awareness and encourage the elderly to register via the MySejahtera app.
Penang’s vaccine registration is at about 1.6 million, or 40% of its population, with some senior citizens hesitant in registering due to their age and side effects. – The Vibes, April 27, 2021
