Opposition party is demanding answer from the federal and Sarawak governments on the huge amount of taxpayers' money used for 'illegal media campaign'

PETALING JAYA: PKR has demanded an answer from both the federal and Sarawak state governments over allegation that millions of ringgit have been spent for public relations (PR).

PKR communications director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the public has a right to know about the money spent on England-based PR agency, FBC Media.

“The federal government and Sarawak must also explain why they have chosen these desperate tactics to spend millions of the taxpayers’ money,” he said, calling it an “illegal media campaign”.

Nik said the federal government through the Prime Minister’s Department has given as much as RM57.68 million to FBC Media between 2008 and 2009.

He added that another RM42 million was paid for a programme known as “Public Affairs and Government Services and Strategic Communication, Public Relations and Press Outreach”.

Nik said FBC Media appeared to be more than just a PR company and doubled up as a TV producer, extending coverage of the government to global broadcasters including CNBC, CNN and BBC.

Sarawak on the other hand, according to whistleblower Sarawak Report, has given at least RM15 million to FBC Media annually.

A FMT commentary featuring Sarawak Report administrator Clare Rewcastle Brown said that Chief Minister Taib Abdul Mahmud was “suddenly” being featured in several international TV news programmes.

These programmes, she added, were drummed up to prop Taib in a good light with an emphasis on the development in Sarawak and the benefits of palm oil while ignoring the state’s more glaring problems.

Taib’s government, which has ruled Sarawak since 1981, has been the brunt of much criticism over the years.

These attacks include the displacement of indigenous peoples, widespread deforestation and massive corruption.