As of now there is not govt watchdog.
As for now we have CAD to investigate pyramid schemes. However, CAD
is a multifunction commercial investigative dept, so as to their
effectiveness in getting rid of pyramid schemes are unknown.
The DSAS is not a regulatory watchdog either. Its just a group of
legal direct selling companies which abide by regulations and
ethcial rules, and advises the public. It will be safer to join
companies under DSAS, but after I seen company like AMH which
manage to get in, i am already quite disgusted with the slack entry
procedures.
So far ,as to whether there should be a specialist regulatory
watchdog with investigative and executive powers, i would love to
see such body being set up
However, one must see that there will be problems with such body.
Most of the companies we labelled as a disguised pyramid schemes
arent effectively breaking the law. They still sell products, they
dont clearly earn money from recruitment. There are no provisions
in the MLM Act whch seriously define exactly what is legal and what
is not.
Those who study law will know its up to the court to inteprete
whether a particular MLM activity is illegal or not.
Besides, its not up to some one else to point out whether a company
products is marketable, whether a ra-ra session is a brainwashing
session, or what seems to be a high pressure selling method may
seems otherwise to others.
If not set up properly, we end up with another watchdog like CASE,
which can only mediate if both parties agree to negotiate. They are
not an arbitrary watchdog with authority to regulate or punish. So
if one party becomes guai lan and refuse to negotiate, CASE is
helpless.