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KUALA LUMPUR – Former communications and multimedia minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah had cleared Red Communications’ founder Lina Tan’s appointment to the National Film Development Corporation’s (Finas) board in 2020, the movie producer said.
In a statement today responding to the findings of the Auditor-General’s Report 2021 Series 2 on alleged conflicts of interest in appointments at Finas, Tan said she had informed the government body in black and white of potential concerns, but the ministry replied that there were no problems with her appointment.
“I, Lina Tan, was appointed to the board of Finas in June 2020, at which time I declared in writing to Finas of the potential conflict of interest, which was acknowledged and minuted on July 8, 2020. This is in compliance with the applicable legal requirements.
“The Communications and Multimedia Ministry also acknowledged receipt of my voluntary declaration of the potential conflict, when then Finas CEO Ahmad Idham brought the matter to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, who was the minister.
“The ministry found there was no conflict as the board of directors is not involved in the awarding of grants or contracts. Since the board has no oversight of Finas’ daily affairs, the matter was considered immaterial,” she said.
The Auditor-General’s Report 2021 Series 2 revealed that Red Communications had received RM200,000 for the movie Sa Balik Baju, featuring an all-star cast comprising Kaka Azraff, Mira Filzah, and Juliana Evans, among others.
Based on checks conducted, Tan, Astro corporate representative Agnes Kim Rozario, and film director Shamyl Othman are listed as Red Communications’ company directors.
Tan and Astro Entertainment Sdn Bhd are listed as the only shareholders of Red Communications, with the former owning majority shares.
In the statement, Tan voiced her unhappiness with the allegations laid out in the report, adding that during her time on the board, her company had never pitched for any Finas grants.
“During my two-year tenure as a member of the Finas board of directors, Red Communications never pitched for any other grants from Finas. Red Communications is a reputable company with a 23-year track record that speaks for itself.
“Red Communications has worked with local broadcaster Astro, as well as international broadcasters like National Geographic, Disney, and The History Channel.
“We take exception to the allegations in the auditor-general’s report and have already submitted a letter of explanation to the current Communications and Multimedia Minister Fahmi Fadzil, together with all supporting documents and minutes of meetings that took place in Finas.
“This letter was also copied to the current CEO of Finas, Md Nasir Ibrahim,” said Tan, adding that she would gladly meet with the auditor-general and explain her position. – The Vibes, February 22, 2023
