The Malaysian Insider

By Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 — The government has allocated RM1 million for former Ferrari Formula One team boss Jean Todt to spend over two years as Malaysia’s Tourism ambassador.

But Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen said no disbursements have been made since his appointment in May.

The MCA vice president also denied that Todt has been given any land in Terengganu as part of the deal.

“As far as I know, Todt does not own any land in Terengganu,” she said.

PKR vice president Azmin Ali caused a stir this morning when he demanded a full disclosure of the deal with Todt and his fiancée, Malaysian actress Datuk Michelle Yeoh, claiming that almost RM1 million had already been spent on the Frenchman.

Ng, however, said that the figures the Gombak MP had quoted were untrue as Todt was serving on a voluntary basis and the government was only covering his travel expenses in the course of promoting Malaysia as a tourist destination.

“One million in Europe gets you nothing nowadays,” she said, defending the appointment.

She added that Todt was chosen for his international presence and connectivity, which would give Malaysia greater visibility.

Ng claimed that Todt had personally helped the ministry make influential contacts in Paris, including a top film producer, magazine publisher and aides of French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Her claim that the allocation is for two years nevertheless contradicts the announcement she made in May regarding Todt’s appointment, when she said it was for just one year.

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