OP-ED On BC Muslim Association Special General Meeting(SGM)
Mohammed Jafar Bhamji
2-25-2026
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What’s the Fuss? Why the BCMA’s Governance Crisis Matters to Every One of Us
For more than sixty years, the BC Muslim Association (BCMA) has been a home for a diverse and growing Muslim community. Our institutions—masajid, schools, funeral services, youth programs, women’s councils, and social services—were built through decades of sacrifice from families of every background. The BCMA belongs to the members, and its integrity is central to the trust we place in each other as a community.
Over the past several months, however, serious concerns have emerged about the Association’s governance. These concerns came to a head during a Special General Meeting (SGM) held this past Sunday, where the majority of voting members supported the creation of a temporary caretaker board, pending a full resolution of the issues. The current Executive disputes the validity of that meeting—leaving BCMA in a difficult and uncertain moment.
To some, all of this raises a simple question:
“What’s the fuss?”
Why are so many members troubled? Why did the situation escalate to this point? And why have senior community elders and past executives felt compelled to intervene?
The answer is not a personal or political dispute. The concerns are about governance, transparency, and fair process—the foundational principles that keep any organization healthy and lawful.
1. Because meetings must follow the rules—and the rules were not followed.
BCMA’s bylaws require that a Special General Meeting be chaired by an independent person - the word is “Independent.” Members objected when a current branch chair and voting Executive Council participant was appointed to chair the SGM, contrary to this requirement. The Societies Act gives bylaws the force of law in governing how meetings must be conducted, and failure to follow them can invalidate proceedings or justify court remedies. [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]
This is not a technicality—an independent chair protects everyone by ensuring fairness.
2. Because accurate membership records are the foundation of a democratic society.
There are allegations of selective handling of membership renewals, questions about who qualified as a member in good standing, and difficulties accessing the official membership register. Under the Societies Act, societies must maintain accurate official records and members have a legal right to access them. [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]
If the membership list is not trustworthy, neither are the elections or votes that depend on it.
3. Because committees that are supposed to be independent must remain independent.
Concerns have been raised about interference in the Elections Committee, an arm’s length body whose credibility is essential for community trust. Directors are legally required to act honestly, in good faith, and in the best interests of the society, and must follow the bylaws. [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]
If election oversight is compromised, the legitimacy of leadership itself is put at risk.
4. Because ignoring valid member decisions undermines the very purpose of a member run society.
Members have expressed frustration that mandates expressed in prior SGMs were not carried out. Under the law, member resolutions carry real weight, and their disregard can justify legal recourse. [bclaws.gov.bc.ca]
A society in which the members’ will is optional is not a functioning society.
So what now?
Despite the seriousness of these concerns, there are options. Both the Executive and the Members can agree to a mediation. This is the right path. Mediation gives the community a chance to fix systemic issues without court intervention, repair strained relationships, and re establish trust.
What’s the fuss? It’s about our future.
The BCMA is one of the oldest and largest Muslim organizations in British Columbia. Its governance must be a model of fairness, accountability, and openness—because our community deserves nothing less.
This moment is not a crisis of personalities. It is a test of whether we have the courage to protect our institutions, honour our bylaws, uphold the law, and safeguard the trust built over generations.
If we address these issues with honesty and unity, the BCMA can emerge stronger, more transparent, and more worthy of the community it serves.
This is our organization.
This is our responsibility.
And this is our chance to get it right.
Footnotes: This is my opinion as an organizer for the SGM in Consultation with some former Presidents and Trustees.
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