MITI concludes probe into Osaka Expo pavilion dispute
In a response to Business Times, the ministry said it has also initiated contact with Current Media Group (CMG) for further engagement, although it did not disclose the findings of its inquiry.
"MITI has completed its investigation on this matter. We have contacted CMG and will engage them further," the ministry said.
The update follows a statement by CMG announcing that it had served MITI with a formal letter of demand.
The company said the move came after "more than two months of silence" from MITI, despite the ministry's earlier pledge to investigate claims that the pavilion's concept, theme and narrative closely resembled a proposal submitted by CMG prior to the official tender process.
CMG founder Fey Ilyas first raised the issue publicly on April 25, highlighting alleged similarities between its proposal and the final design adopted for the Malaysia Pavilion.
The post drew public attention and prompted MITI to announce, on April 26, that it would conduct an internal inquiry.
However, CMG claimed that since that announcement, there had been no follow-up from MITI in the form of document requests, interviews or progress updates.
The company said it resorted to legal action after exhausting informal channels.
"After exhausting all informal avenues for dialogue and giving MITI ample time to act in good faith, CMG instructed its counsel to formally issue a letter of demand on July 17 seeking formal acknowledgment of CMG's contributions and fair compensation," it said.
"Should MITI fail to respond satisfactorily within the statutory period, CMG will pursue every legal remedy available under Malaysian law.
"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 added.
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