MACC widens probe in tourism contract award

PETALING JAYA (March 27, 2011): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has extended its investigations into allegations of corruption in the Tourism Malaysia advertising and promotions contracts, to the five winning agencies. It is learnt that in the past two weeks, the MACC investigations team visited the offices of some of the five agencies which were named as winners of the tender in early February. On Feb 9, Tourism Malaysia announced them to be Naga DDB Sdn Bhd, Smascom & Designs Sdn Bhd, Sen Media Sdn Bhd, M & C Saatchi Sdn Bhd and Impact Creations (M) Sdn Bhd. The agencies, working with a cumulative budget of some RM400 million between the 2011 and 2013 time frame, is tasked to look after the account globally. MACC Investigations Director Datuk Mustafar Ali confirmed that investigations into the case were still ongoing. He told theSun that the investigations will go to great lengths to ensure that all parties would be questioned. "We are recording statements from witnesses and gathering all the information we can as evidence on this case," he said, declining to comment further. Prior to the early February announcement, Integrated Strategic Communications (ISC) pulled out of the race citing ambiguous tender procedures and implying corrupt practices. The move, along with a report by ISC’s CEO Austen Zecha, opened MACC’s investigations into the matter. Earlier this month, Mustafar confirmed that MACC paid the Tourism Malaysia office a visit for a routine procedure in gathering evidence on March 11. - theSun