KUALA LUMPUR: Political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica has never been hired by Barisan Nasional (BN) or the Malaysian government, said the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“Contrary to media reports, neither Cambridge Analytica nor its parent company SCL Group have ever – now or in the past – been contracted or paid in any way by Barisan Nasional, the Prime Minister’s Office or any part of the government of Malaysia,” the PM’s Office said in a statement yesterday.
However, it said the SCL Group country representative yesterday confirmed to the government that Cambridge Analytica’s advice on the 2013 general election was provided personally to Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, now Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) deputy president.
“The SCL representative also confirmed that he reported directly to Mukhriz Mahathir, not BN or the government,” the statement said.
On its website, Cambridge Analytica touts itself as a global leader in data-driven campaigning with over 25 years of experience. — Bernama