Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh and his fledgling ministry might get an image booster soon.

According to a source, the ministry could be appointing a private consultancy firm for this purpose.

He said the matter is now in the hands of the Corporate Communications Department, which has also been given the written proposal submitted by the firm, Data Milik Sdn Bhd.

He said the firm had sent the written proposal via Shafie's office last May.

"An official with the minister's office had submitted the document to the Corporate Communications Division for further action. However, there has been no decision yet," he added.

The source also revealed that a special panel, comprising the ministry's top officials, will meet soon to discuss the matter.

He said several factors, such as expertise, experience and quality, will be taken into consideration before the firm can be hired.

However, he refused to divulge the cost involved.

It is understood that at present, the Corporate Communications Department, overlooks the image aspect of the ministry.

It's task encompass three fields - public relations, complaints and publishing.

Greater exposure

Contacted later, Data Milik confirmed that it has submitted a written proposal to the ministry, which among others would entail exposing the ministry to the public.

According to a spokesperson, the firm made the proposal because the ministry was still new and therefore needed greater exposure.

"We want to heighten the ministry's image in the eyes of the public because there are those who are confused about its responsibilities," he said.

He added that Data Milik has yet to receive a reply from the ministry.

He also stressed that the firm has no connections with Shafie and similar proposals have been submitted to other ministries as well.