Ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt has expressed "distress" over Azmin Ali's allegation that the Tourism Ministry is purportedly spending a million ringgit on him to promote Malaysia in his capacity of "tourism ambassador".

Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen said that Todt conveyed this to her as she has been in constant communication with him.

ng yen yen jean todt 26062009 01 Speaking at media conference this evening, Ng (left) said that Todt had "expressed disappointment that (the issue was raised) on something that was offered to him on goodwill.

"He is telling me and that many friends from the press are constantly calling him on the matter," adding that it an insult to a "wealthy and well-recognised man".

She elaborated that it was an affront to Todt because he had taken the position voluntarily on the believe that Malaysia was one of the best tourism destinations in the world.

Azmin, who is also the Gombak MP, raised the matter in Parliament on Wednesday asking why the ministry had to spend an additional one million when there are tourism offices overseas in order to promote Malaysia.

He also revealed that he had proof of communication between the ministry and Todt on an "alleged offer made to the latter for an island, Pulau Besar" in Terengganu.

When pressed for details of the "offer", Azmin did not elaborate saying that he would ask the ministry to reveal details of the deal.

Ng also said that after making enquiries, she was convinced that there was no deal on the so-called the island involving Todt.

She also repeated that the RM1 million that is to be paid to Todt was to cover expenses such as air fare and was not intended for his personal consumption.

Ng also defended the RM1 million payment by saying that, when converted into euros, it was not much, and that one week spent in Paris or London would amount to more than RM1 million.

The RM1 million, she added was meant to be spent over a two-year period.

Money not disbursed yet

She clarified that discussions on the figure and quantum to be allocated to Todt are still ongoing and none of the money has been disbursed.

Ng demanded to know where Azmin had got his facts from and asked him to provide details on the matter.

"Unfortunately for him, (his facts) are full of untruth," she said adding that he should not oppose for the sake of opposing.

jean todt and michelle yeoh 260609 01 When asked why Todt had to be employed as ambassador when there is already infrastructure to promote the country, the minister said that Todt knows the crème of the crop of society.

Todt, who is the fiance of Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, has been tasked to promote Malaysia among his contacts in, among others, the film industry and the F1 circuit.

"The multiplier effect is there as even if a few of his contacts holidayed in Malaysia, it will be enough as they would book whole hotels," she said.

"The ministry will not be able to open doors like that. I myself cannot do it."

She said that although there are tourism representatives in major cities such as Frankfurt and Stockholm, Todt could reach out to places which were beyond the purview of such offices.