The tourism and culture minister said the player once dubbed the “Cannibal of Ajax” for biting players had a huge fanbase.
“Let’s not punish an individual for what happened in the past, or what happened on the field.
“If he was really a bad person, he would not have 25 million followers on Instagram. Statistics show he is a popular footballer,” Nazri told the Dewan Rakyat.
He was responding to a question by Hee Loy Sian (PKR-Petaling Jaya Selatan) who wanted the ministry to explain why Tourism Malaysia decided to appoint Suarez, as well as the cost of the deal.
Nazri said under the deal, Tourism Malaysia has exclusive rights to use the Uruguayan striker to promote the country.
He said Suarez is very popular in Asia, especially in Indonesia and China.
The 30-year-old also has some 19 million followers on Facebook, and 12.4 million on Twitter.
“Through this campaign, Tourism Malaysia can use him to promote various destinations in Malaysia, especially to other footballing stars and fans worldwide via social media.”
He said the campaign would see Tourism Malaysia advertisements being displayed on 90 LED screens in 18 stadiums playing La Liga matches for the 2017/2018 season.
The advertisements will also be displayed on 30 digital screens across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and other Asian countries during games involving FC Barcelona and their traditional rivals, Real Madrid.
The campaign, Nazri said, costs RM7.5 million.
“RM3.1 million is allocated for four 60-second videos which will see Luis Suarez promote Malaysian destinations, culture, food and traditional sports through his social media and that of Tourism Malaysia.
“Malaysia will also be his destination of choice after the World Cup.”