KUALA LUMPUR (March 18, 2010): APCO Worlwide has denied claims made by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PKR-Permatang Pauh) that it had a role in advising the Prime Minister to come out with the 1Malaysia concept.

Khairy Jamaluddin

In a statement issued today, it said inaccurate statements were made in the Parliament yesterday regarding the firm and its role in Malaysia, as well as its work, past and present, in relationship to other governments.

Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) brought up the point in the Dewan Rakyat when interrupting Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) who was talking about 1Malaysia in his debate on the Royal Address.

"Contrary to statements made in Malaysia’s Parliament, 1Malaysia was conceived of by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul 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.

"It is also incorrect that Apco represented the government of Israel or Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak as has been alleged in Malaysia’s Parliament.

"At no time has Apco been involved with 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."

Khairy, who read out the statement then asked how one can believe in the sincerity of the opposition members if they could go to the extent of fabricating lies in the august House.

Anwar has said in his debate yesterday, Apco had in 1999 advised Barak to use the One Israel slogan.

"Barak in 1999 hired Apco and Apco advised him to use the new slogan of One Israel. In 2009, Apco advised Najib on 1Malaysia," he had said. -- theSun