“Our company’s records shows that no payment was ever made to the said clinic by Pakar Media on behalf of the director general,” said Mirza.
He also refuted allegations that Pakar Media was favoured by Tourism Malaysia because of his relationship with Datuk Mirza (they are brothers).
He also refuted allegations that Pakar Media was favoured by Tourism Malaysia because of his relationship with Datuk Mirza (they are brothers).
Datuk Mirza was yesterday (Monday, 18 August) charged by the Anti-Corruption Agency with accepting dental treatment from Pakar Media and has been suspended with half-pay for two months.
TM's roster agencies say that this announcement, which was made by a representative at the Tourism Ministry, is not likely to impact their businesses.
Mirza Mohammad Tariq of Pakar Media, which is part-owned by Aegis Media, said that his agency is continuing to operate as usual.
Shireen Mak, media director of Sen Media, which handles South Asia, West Asia and North Africa for Tourism Malaysia said: "It's business as usual for us. It’s a personnel change at TM, which is their internal business. We have not received any official announcement from them regarding their internal changes and are continuing to work the way we always do.”
An agency head said that most TM campaigns have been planned in advance so it is not likely to impact the agency immediately. “But it may create disruption in the long run,” he added.
There is widespread fear in Malaysia that TM’s account, which uses nine different agencies, could be reviewed again if the director general is found guilty and a new person takes over.
Datuk Mirza has worked with Tourism Malaysia for 25 years and is credited with successful advertising that has resulted in Malaysia being the most visited country in Southeast Asia.
Pakar Media handles North America and Canada for Tourism Malaysia. Other agencies on TM’s roster include M&C Saatchi, TBWAISC, Sen Media, Wellad Communications, Concept Communications & Promotions, Smascom, Astana International and Milk & Co.
