PETALING JAYA: There were strategies outlined during a meeting involving some members of foreign media and a local family, according to a document circulating on social media.
Third party voices are questioning the motive behind the Prime Minister’s actions as well as a need for reform of oversight of institutions; and if that can’t be delivered, a culture of fear should be emphasised.
These were among the alleged strategies.
The document supposedly outlines a communications strategy aimed at defending the reputation of a prominent family. The family is now alleged to be involved in a plot to overthrow the government.
While the family has not been named by anyone in authority, former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin’s widow Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid has come out to deny any such plot.
Daim’s family is currently in a legal battle with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission over the freezing of the former finance minister’s assets.
Based on a police report, The Star went to the website of a consulting firm based in Britain, to verify the names in the police report now circulating on social media.
All those named in the police report were listed on the website of the firm.
The document, which is said to be drafted by the firm, is dated from August 2025 with the headline “Communications Plan” and supposedly lists down a series of objectives, considerations and approaches.
It also has a timeline to be taken to preserve the good name of the family.
It said the public relations strategy “must be supportive of legal strategy and not in conflict”.
“A master list of domestic and international voices is being drawn up. As part of this, identify ‘civil society’ groups and enlist support – potentially commission papers etc,” the document further notes.
It adds that the campaign would adopt a “principles-based public position avoiding any public attacks”, while advancing a broader push for reform of institutions described as “currently unaccountable and lack transparency”.According to the document, among the initial ideas was an appearance at the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on Aug 28 to make a “deliberate, structured intervention commencement of the campaign to set out reform arguments”.
Other proposals include to “shine a light on business track-record” potentially through a profile piece or tribute highlighting contributions, personal sacrifices and legacy”.
It also suggested a social media campaign featuring life achievements, early business successes and important quotes.
The document also suggests contacting editors to call for fairness in reporting, organising background roundtables, commissioning and publishing a legal analysis to show process concerns and call for reform of oversight and transparency, developing parliamentary questions, and writing to bankers to state that international assets are not frozen.
