The government had hired US public relations firm Apco Worldwide to boost its image internationally, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's '1Malaysia' concept.

NONE Minister in the Prime Minister Department Koh Tsu Koon ( left ) in a written reply to Serdang DAP parliamentarian Teo Nie Ching, said that the appointment of the PR firm was to correct inaccurate impressions of Malaysia.

He added that employing internationally renowned firms was a practice common in governments of other nations.

Apco Worldwide, which is headquartered in Washington, was recommended to promote and improve Malaysia's image internationally, said Koh.

Image damaged by media

Koh said the company's duties were to restore the confidence of the international community in Malaysia which has been damaged by the print or electronic media.

The will also convince the international community that Malaysia is a stable and strong country for investment, trade and tourist travel.

"Apart from Apco Worldwide, ministries and government agencies also appoint other local and international firms for communication services," he said.

Teo had also asked the minister reveal how much has been allocated and how much is being spent for the purpose of these promotions.

"Because expenditures depends on the actual implementation of programmes and which is organised from time to time, the expenses can not be determined now," he said.