'Corruption' scandal rocks Tourism Malaysia

Datuk Mirza has pleaded not guilty to accepting dental implants worth RM13,860 (US$4,156), sponsored by Pakar Media directors.

Carat has a 30 per cent stake in Pakar Media. The rest is owned locally by agency directors Zulhsyam Ayob and Mirza Mohammad Tariq, who have a 50 per cent stake in this agency. Mirza Mohammad is the Tourism Malaysia client's brother.

When contacted by Media, Mirza Mohammad Tariq said that he was shocked by the claims. “I am trying to work out how to resolve this matter,” he said.
Carat Malaysia’s CEO Margaret Lim was not available for comment. The Tourism Ministry's press secretary declined to comment.

Tourism Malaysia’s account is worth US$44 million and is one of the most sought after accounts in Malaysia.

According to agency sources in Malaysia, questions have been raised in the past about the Tourism Malaysia account. However, other sources suggest that the Mirza brothers have a clean reputation and the charges against them might be politically motivated.

One insider points out that if underhand dealings were involved, then Pakar Media would have won a bigger chunk of Tourism Malaysia account.

Agencies on Tourism Malaysia’s roster include M&C Saatchi, TBWAISC, Sen Media and Wellad Communications.


Further update