The opposition challenged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to come clean on communication firm Apco Worldwide's renewed contract.

saifuddin parliament PKR's secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution ( left ) urged the government to state the value of the renewed contract, specifics of Apco's job description and the firm's success in the last round.

"The whole issue only came to light when the opposition leader presented documents and information about the government engaging Apco's services," said Saifuddin in a press conference at Parliament.

"Following that, we only found out that the contract was worth RM77 million after our Batu MP (Chua Tian Chang) asked a question on the cost of the old contract.

He also demanded a comprehensive report on whether the country and the people had benefited from the deal, as strong sentiments have been expressed over the links of several of its leaders to the Israel government.

"Did it really benefit the people, especially in terms of the safety and the security of the country? What about the sentiments of the Muslims... due to the involvement of several personalities from Israel (in Apco)? I leave the ball in Najib's court," he said.

It was reported yesterday that the government had secured Apco's service for another year, in spite of allegations that some of top Apco leaders are former Israeli intelligence officials.

Pakatan turns the table on Najib

NONE Asked whether the decision to employ more local communication liaisons instead of the direct involvement of Apco would make a difference, Anwar ( right ) said:

"I don't believe the issue is just soliciting some local expertise now to cover up the central mission.

"Why do we object to Apco's role? There are two reasons which I have adduced and which the government is trying to manipulate.

"For 12 years they have accused us of being pro-Jews and pro-Zionist, now I have adduced evidence that they have in fact employed Israelis who worked for an Israeli agency. Why the hypocrisy and the double standards?

"Why do you (the government) use Apco to portray you (the prime minister) as a liberal and democratic face internationally and then use draconian and oppressive measures against people in the country?" he asked.

Anwar also criticised Apco for actively propagating him as being anti-Semitic and anti-Jew.

The Permatang Pauh representative was referred to the parliamentary special rights and privileges committee for linking and disparaging the premier's ‘1Malaysia' concept as a mirror copy of Prime Minister Ehud Barak's ‘One Israel' campaign in the 1990s.

It is understood that Apco has shut down its operations locally and will be operating from Singapore under managing director Garry Walsh.