Thursday jottings

Many things have been said and written about the government’s move to engage APCO. Unfortunately, not much is known about the “services” provided or to be provided by APCO to the Malaysian government.

I suppose Malaysians will never get to know the details of APCO’s services to the Malaysian government as well as its involvement, if any, in the shaping of policies by the government. I am sure whatever agreement signed between APCO and the government will be classified as an official secret.

However, an online report by Public Affairs Asia of the contract between APCO and the government quoted Paul Stadlen, the Managing Director of APCO’s new office in Kuala Lumpur as saying:

“This is a time of opportunities for Malaysia,” said Stadlen. “APCO is delighted to share media expertise and strategic communication services with the Malaysian government and other clients in Malaysia. We are excited about Malaysia’s future and our ability to participate in it.”

Meanwhile, APCO’s founder and CEO, Margery Kraus, was quoted as saying:

“(The Malaysian government) “wants to ensure that it is able to provide information to the public quickly and transparently, making use of all relevant new technologies.”

“Our team in Kuala Lumpur will include seasoned professionals from many countries, including Malaysia, who are on the cutting edge of new media,” she added.”

“They will work to assist in strengthening the government’s online and other strategic communication capabilities to speed the delivery of accurate information to the media and public.”

It could therefore be surmised that APCO was engaged to provide public relations services to the government. It is also an image builder for the government. To put it crudely, APCO is the government’s spinner, period and full stop.