NOT-FOR-PROFIT collective management organisation (CMO), Public Performance Malaysia (PPM) Bhd has been cleared off allegations of non-payment of royalties to deserving recording artistes and songwriters.
Recall that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had initiated investigations on PPM despite no complaints being made by its members following a series of articles that disputed its credibility.
The said articles included “Tussle over RM30 mil unpaid royalties for recording artistes” (published on Oct 3. 2020), “Artistes seek MACC probe of ‘hidden hands’ in royalties fiasco” (Oct 6, 2020) and “Probe MYIPO for giving PPM right to distribute artistes royalties, Karyawan tells MACC” (Oct 26, 2020).
This prompted MACC officials to visit PPM’s premises and seized certain documents in the course of their investigations. Various oral statements were also recorded by MACC’s officials.
“Upon completion of their investigations, MACC officials returned the documents that were taken from our premises on Dec 17, 2021 with no further action required from PPM,” commented PPM’s chairman Rosmin Hashim.
“With the return of the relevant documents, we believe this matter has been put to rest and we can move forward to continue to represent the best interests of our members.”
According to a New Straits Times report dated Nov 26, the MACC – having initiated a probe into alleged unpaid royalties to recording artistes – launched a simultaneous operation at four offices involved in the collection of royalties, namely, PPM, Recording Performers Malaysia (RPM), Music Authors’ Copyright Protection (MACP) and Performers’ Rights and Interest Society of Malaysia (Prism).
Incorporated on Dec 23, 2016 to take over operations from Public Performance Malaysia Sdn Bhd which had been carrying out licensing activities since 1988, PPM represents all eligible Malaysian recording companies and international recording companies which have exclusively licensed PPM members to control their rights in Malaysia.
Moving forward, Rosmin said PPM shall continue to represent the interests of its members and the industry with the highest integrity.
“As a professional, transparent and responsible licensing body, PPM will always extend our full cooperation to the authorities on any matter that requires their attention. We have always and will continue to comply with all laws governing licensing bodies,” he added. – Jan 6, 2022
