ASEAN Records has officially reaffirmed its position as a legitimate and legally recognised organisation following a series of public allegations circulated earlier this month.
In a formal statement issued in Kuala Lumpur on 16 May 2026, ASEAN Records strongly refuted claims made by third parties regarding the company’s legal status and operations, while presenting official documentation from both the ASEAN Secretariat and the Government of Malaysia to support its position.
The company stated that it operates as an independent regional record certification platform and has secured two separate layers of approval for the use of the word “ASEAN” within its corporate name and business operations.
Official Approvals from ASEAN Secretariat and Malaysian Government
According to ASEAN Records, approval for the use of the “ASEAN” name was granted by the ASEAN Secretariat under reference CCAD/LSAD/UNA/2023/Vol.1/014 dated 1 December 2023.
The approval was reportedly signed by Tran Duc Binh and remains valid and fully countersigned.
In addition to the ASEAN Secretariat approval, ASEAN Records also obtained Ministerial Approval from the Government of Malaysia under Section 27(3) of the Companies Act 2016.
Official Approvals Held by ASEAN Records
| Approval Type | Authority | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| ASEAN Name Usage Approval | ASEAN Secretariat | CCAD/LSAD/UNA/2023/Vol.1/014 |
| Ministerial Approval | Government of Malaysia | P/S/2023/A/004396 |
| Companies Act Approval | Section 27(3), Companies Act 2016 | 14 November 2023 |
Gillian Ooi stated that the accusations made against the company were false and unsupported by evidence.
She explained that ASEAN Records possesses official documents and evidence that directly refute the allegations made publicly over the past week.
Questions Raised Over PPSM’s Legal Status
A major focus of the controversy involved an entity identifying itself as “Persatuan Pengguna Semenanjung Malaysia” (PPSM).
Following statements issued by PPSM, ASEAN Records conducted a formal registrar search through the Registrar of Societies Malaysia.
According to ASEAN Records, the Registrar of Societies confirmed through an official letter dated 13 May 2026 that PPSM is not registered as a society in Malaysia.
The company also claimed that the Facebook page operating under the PPSM name appeared to have only been created recently in May 2026 and was categorised as a non-governmental organisation despite lacking official registration.
Key Findings Highlighted by ASEAN Records
| Issue | ASEAN Records’ Claim |
|---|---|
| PPSM Registration Status | Not registered with Registrar of Societies Malaysia |
| Facebook Page | Recently created in May 2026 |
| Legal Standing | Questioned due to lack of registration |
| Public Claims | Described as unverified and misleading |
ASEAN Records stated that these findings raise concerns regarding PPSM’s legal standing and its ability to represent consumer interests officially.
ASEAN Secretariat Confirms Forged Letter
One of the central issues involved a letter dated 27 March 2026 bearing the reference APSC/PSD/PRM/2026/98.
The document, allegedly addressed to PPSM and purportedly signed by Kao Kim Hourn, had been circulated publicly in relation to the allegations against ASEAN Records.
However, ASEAN Records stated that formal correspondence with the Legal Services and Agreements Directorate of the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta confirmed that the Secretariat did not issue the letter.
The ASEAN Secretariat reportedly confirmed in writing that the document was a forgery and that no official correspondence had been sent to PPSM regarding ASEAN Records.
According to Gillian Ooi, the written confirmation from the ASEAN Secretariat clearly establishes that the circulated letter was not authentic.
She also expressed disappointment that statements from an allegedly unregistered entity had significantly affected the company’s reputation.
Police Reports and Legal Action
ASEAN Records further revealed that its co-directors had lodged two police reports in relation to the matter.
The reports were filed at:
| Police Station | Date |
|---|---|
| Balai Polis Kepong | 11 May 2026 |
| IPD Cheras | 15 May 2026 |
The company confirmed that the matter is currently under police investigation.
ASEAN Records also stated that it intends to pursue legal action to protect the company’s interests, the integrity of the ASEAN name approved for use, and the reputation of its record holders and partners.
Clarifying ASEAN Records’ Role
ASEAN Records emphasised that it operates independently and does not represent, function as, or act on behalf of the ASEAN Secretariat.
The company clarified that its role has consistently been presented as an independent regional certification platform rather than an official ASEAN agency.
According to the statement, this distinction has been communicated clearly across company materials, ceremonies, and official communications since its launch.
Eldrick Koh also reassured existing record holders that their recognitions remain valid and legitimate.
Growing Regional Presence Since Launch
Since launching on 14 November 2024, ASEAN Records stated that it has issued more than 250 ASEAN-level record certifications.
The company also highlighted that it has organised nine Gather of Achievers ceremonies attended by over 1,500 participants.
Among the notable recognitions issued by ASEAN Records was a certification presented to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka.
The organisation added that various record witnessing ceremonies have been attended by senior government officials, including Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers.
Commitment to Transparency
In closing, ASEAN Records urged the public and brand owners to rely on verified and official information before making conclusions regarding the matter.
The company also encouraged parties who may have acted based on incomplete or inaccurate information to review and correct their materials following the official confirmations now provided.
ASEAN Records maintained that all statements issued were based on official documentation currently in its possession and stressed that investigations by the relevant authorities are still ongoing.
For more information about ASEAN Records, visit https://aseanrecords.com/
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