APCO HAS NO ROLE IN CREATING 1MALAYSIA CONCEPT, AS CLAIMED BY ANWAR

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- International communications consultancy
APCO Worldwide has denied creating the 1Malaysia concept as claimed by
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament Wednesday.

In a statement issued Thursday, APCO said it was appointed by the Malaysian
Government after the 1Malaysia concept was mooted by Prime Minister Najib Tun
Razak.

The Washington headquartered firm also slammed as "false", another claim by
Anwar that it had been involved in a public relations campaign for a
'One-Israel' concept in 1999, by Israel's then-prime minister Ehud Barak.

The 1Malaysia policy was announced by Najib soon after he took office in
early April last year.

"Contrary to statements made in Malaysia’s Parliament, 1Malaysia was
conceived of, by the Prime Minister Najib (Tun) Razak, prior to the
government of Malaysia retaining APCO.

"APCO had no role of any kind in creating the 1Malaysia concept, which was
fully formed, and made public, prior to APCO’s engagement," APCO said in its
statement which is also available on its website (www.apcoworldwide.com)

APCO said it was appointed by the Malaysian Government last year to
evaluate
its capabilities to communicate through new media.

The company was also asked by the Malaysian Government to share recent
developments in strategic communications undertaken by governments in Europe,
North america and Africa.

"APCO’s work has included communication support for a broad range of reform
initiatives undertaken by the government of Malaysia, especially in the areas of
creating jobs, promoting education and strengthening delivery of services to
the people," it added.

Anwar made the claims when debating the motion of thanks on the Royal
address.

APCO said it was incorrect that the firm had represented the government of
Israel or Ehud Barak as alleged by Anwar.

"At no time has APCO been involved with a public relations campaign relating
to a “One-Israel” concept. The statement in Malaysia’s Parliament that APCO was
involved in such a campaign is false," it said.

-- BERNAMA