Miti issued LoD over alleged plagiarism of expo designs
PETALING JAYA : A direct marketing company has issued the investment, trade and industry ministry (Miti) a letter of demand seeking compensation for use of the firm's designs for the Malaysian pavilion at the Osaka World Expo in Japan.
Current Media Group (CMG) is also demanding acknowledgement of its contributions.
In a statement, CMG said it decided to issue an LoD to the ministry yesterday after exhausting all informal avenues for dialogue and giving Miti 'ample time to act in good faith'.
'Should Miti fail to respond satisfactorily within the statutory period, CMG will pursue every legal remedy available under Malaysian law,' it said.
On April 25, CMG founder Fey Ilyas took to social media to accuse Miti of using his company's designs for the expo without payment or credit.
Fey claimed that his company was engaged by the ministry in 2022 to develop the concept, theme, and architectural direction of the Malaysian pavilion.
He said a proposal was presented to key stakeholders, including the minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, and the company was repeatedly assured that it would be formally appointed for the project.
However, it was told in January 2023 that the appointment would not proceed and that the ministry wanted to open a tender.
Fey claimed that his company was given the runaround for two years when it tried to get acknowledgement and fair compensation for its work.
He said his company was also advised to stay silent about the alleged appropriation to prevent jeopardising future opportunities.
Miti subsequently said that it was conducting an internal investigation, and that it took the allegation seriously.
It said it would take legal action 'if and when necessary'.
However, CMG said it had not received a single request for documents, interviews, or clarification since Miti's statement, nor had the ministry provided a substantive update on the status of its inquiry.
'CMG reiterates its willingness to engage in constructive mediation at any time, so long as that process is undertaken in good faith, recognises the value of creative labour, and upholds equitable terms,' it said.
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