Mirza has been charged by Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Agency with accepting dental treatment from Pakar Media, a company part-owned by Aegis Media. He has been temporarily suspended.
Should a replacement be appointed, industry sources predict that another review of the TM business will be called.
Should a replacement be appointed, industry sources predict that another review of the TM business will be called.
The account was divided among nine agencies in January, ending a six-month pitch believed to have involved 150 agencies.
Meanwhile, Pakar Media’s MD Mirza Mohammad Tariq has responded to the accusations that his agency sponsored expensive dental work for his client - and brother - Mirza Mohd Taiyab.
“Our company records show 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 because it is headed by Mirza’s relative. According to a source, Mirza was not involved in the agency selection process for the TM account.
Other TM roster agencies say that the announcement of Mirza’s suspension is not likely to affect their businesses. Shireen Mak, media director of Sen Media, which handles South Asia, West Asia and North Africa for TM, said: “It’s business as usual for us. It’s an internal issue at TM. We have not received any official announcement.”
Another agency head said that most TM campaigns had been planned in advance, so the scandal was not likely to have an immediate impact.
“But it may create disruption in the long run,” he said.
Mirza has worked for TM for 25 years and is credited with helping Malaysia become the most visited country in Southeast Asia. He has pleaded not guilty.
