Ex-Ferrari boss’s Malaysia role sparks controversy

(The Straits Times) – MALAYSIA'S opposition on Thursday demanded the government scrap its decision to spend nearly US$300,000 (S$437,000) on former Formula One Ferrari team boss Jean Todt as its overseas tourism ambassador.

The call came after the government confirmed it has allocated RM1 million (S$412,000) for Mr Todt, made the ambassador last month for two years to promote Malaysia's tourism in the face of falling visitor numbers.

It is not immediately clear whether the amount is the annual budget or to be spent over the Frenchman's two-year appointment. Tourism Ministry officials could not be reached for immediate comment.

'Just because he is volunteering his services, you cannot expect him to pay out of his own pocket,' Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times newspaper.

'Besides, RM1 million in Europe gets you nothing nowadays,' she added.

Lawmaker Azmin Ali from the opposition Keadilan party told AFP that the money could be put to better use, especially with Malaysia headed for a technical recession this year.

'It is ironic that the government is spending so much on one person,' said Mr Azmin, who first revealed the allocation for Mr Todt in parliament on Wednesday.

'It it ridiculous and didn't make sense at all. We can make full use of the money in this time of crisis for education or jobs training,' he added.

Mr Todt is engaged to glamorous Malaysia-born action star and former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh, and was reportedly picked by Malaysian tourism authorities for 'his international presence and connections'.

The 63-year-old last visited Malaysia a week ago and dined with multi-national company leaders at a tourism event.

Tourism was Malaysia's second highest foreign exchange earner in 2007, raking in US$14 billion in revenue from 21 million tourist arrivals, but it expects the number to fall to 20 million this year.