MACC hunts Briton hired as PR man for Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) says it is trying to locate a British citizen once hired by former prime minister Najib Razak for public relations work.

Paul Stadlen, the former boss of public relations firm Apco Worldwide’s Malaysian branch, is believed to be part of the former leader’s communications team in the Prime Minister’s Department.

MACC said Stadlen, 39, is wanted for questioning in connection with the ongoing probe into the 1MDB affair.

Stadlen was in the news three years ago when the then-opposition questioned the high wages paid to him, a claim denied by the former administration.

Sarawak Report claimed that Stadlen was paid millions of ringgit for helping Putrajaya in its communications policy.

It was reported that Stadlen was offered US$420,000 for a six-month stint to advise the Najib administration.

Stadlen’s former company Apco came under intense scrutiny when it was revealed that the PR firm was paid a huge amount to promote campaigns by the government, including Najib’s 1Malaysia initiative.

The company, which was also hired by ruling politicians in Israel and India, was eventually dismissed from its role, although it was said that Stadlen managed to retain a lucrative contract with the former government.

According to MACC, Stadlen’s last known address was at the Loft Sentral Condominium in KL Sentral. Those with information about him may contact MACC officers Zuhaila Arip (03-8870 0364) or Fahmee Md Noor (03-8870 0419).