Trade Ministry to investigate plagiarism claims over Malaysia Pavilion design
PETALING JAYA: An investigation has been launched over claims of plagiarism involving the design and concept of the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, says the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.
In a statement on Saturday (April 26), the ministry said it is gathering and verifying all relevant facts concerning the allegations made by an individual on social media.
"We take this matter very seriously and reserve all our legal rights.
"The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry remains committed to the highest standards of integrity and compliance in all its dealings.
"We will take the necessary legal action if and when necessary," it said on Saturday (April 26).
The plagiarism allegation arose after a user, Feythehuman, claimed to represent a creative consultancy firm, alleging that the ministry had copied their proposal with minor tweaks.
The user shared a series of posts to support their claims, stating that the ministry had engaged with the firm in 2022 to develop a concept, theme, narrative, and architectural direction for the event.
The posts also claimed that the firm was informed in January 2023 that the project would not proceed after presenting a proposal to the ministry and was assured of a formal appointment.
They were later told the ministry had decided to open the work for tender.
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