MPSP to participate in awards despite 'vanity awards' controversy

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) will continue to participate in international awards despite the controversy on so-called 'vanity awards' received by the council from the Europe Business Assembly (EBA).
The council's newly appointed president Datuk Rozali Mohamud said they would continue to take part in international awards, but would heed the advice of
state Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation exco Chow Kon Yeow to be more cautious.
"Up to this moment, we have decided to take part in the Wego (World e-Governments Organisation of Cities and Local Governments).
"The awards are held annually, and it is free. We do not have to pay any entry fee," he told reporters at a press conference.
On July 24, it was reported that the EBA was generating millions of pounds by selling fake University of Oxford awards and certificates.
Researchers from two NGOs wrote in a 2014 report that such organisations sent solicitation letters to companies and government agencies in the world, telling them that they had been nominated for various awards.
"Anyone who replies, shows interest and agrees to pay gets an award," the report stated.
The now retired Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Patahiyah Ismail was awarded the Best Municipal Manager award while the council was given the Best Municipality Award in 2013.
A year later, MPSP got the Best City award while its then president Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif won the Best Municipal Manager award. Maimunah is now MBPP mayor.