Bandar Seri Begawan - The Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB is in the process of appealing to the suspension order issued by the Registrar of Societies to temporarily cease all activities of the association and has made a plea to His Majesty to look into the matter.

A press conference on the temporary suspension of all activities of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB was held yesterday and chaired by Dr Chan Sui Kiat, the president of The Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB with other office bearers.

A letter of appeal has already been forwarded to the Registrar of Societies on Thursday whereby part of the content of the letter stated that the association regrets the suspension order stated on March 4, 2013 was made without giving any opportunity for the Chinese Chambers of Commerce to be heard.

They were also not provided with any details as to what the alleged problems relating to the said elections or the basis of any complaints made to the Registrar for a reply to the complaint.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB received the Suspension Order on March 4, for the stated reason due to the society having internal problems in relation to the election of office bearers for the 2012-2014 session held in 2011.

Dr Chan Sui Kiat in the press conference highlighted, "After I was elected as president, the association has continued to contribute to the country's economy as well as education. The association also participated in various national events as well as bridging foreign and local investors."

He reiterated that the association is united and will not falter to small number of members who are trying to derail the association, which was established 66 years ago, out of personal interests.

"There are members who sued the president and deputy president of the association on the election of office bearers for the 2012-2014 session held in 2011.

"The case has been forwarded to the lawyer. By the end of the proceeding, the answer will be out. I urged the Chinese community and the members to be patient," he added.

On Thursday afternoon, he revealed, "A number of office bearers and I, went to the Registrar of Societies to gain a better understanding on the matter and to discuss on the suspension order. We also handed over a letter of appeal and plea to the Registrar of Societies to withdraw the suspension."

Meanwhile Mr Yong Teck Foo, the head of liaison for the association said, "The Registrar of Societies would give the association an opportunity to explain the matter. Established for 66 years, the association has not done anything wrong and that we are not guilty until we are proven otherwise.

"We are pleading to the authorities to carry out proper investigation before penalizing us because the suspension will be very costly for the association."

He added, "I hereby, on behalf of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB, plea to His Majesty to look into the matter."

Since it's only the suspension of activities, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB Office is still operational.