Govt must answer claims on 'foreign backing' for politicians - Patriot

 

Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (Patriot) has called on the government to answer several questions on reported allegations of foreign organisations and individuals channelling regular fundings and moral backing to unidentified Malaysian politicians.

Patriot president Mohd Arshad Raji (above) said the questions include any identified risk to national security, details of the cash and assets, parties implicated in the act, as well as whether the alleged communications were sanctioned by their parties.

"Patriot members remain committed to patriotism and national harmony as these are the pillars of our mission and our service to our beloved nation.

"There is a serious element of national security here, including concerns over national sovereignty which all citizens have a vested obligation to safeguard at all times.

"Patriot urges all national security agencies to work together in addressing this matter that is of great concern in the public domain," he said in a statement.

Arshad said Patriot also strongly recommends that the Special Branch investigates the allegations that have elements to potentially threaten national security.

Earlier today, Malay daily Utusan Melayu reported the allegations made by former Defence Military Intelligence (DMI) unit director-general Salleh Ismail, who did not name any specific politician.

"We do not have proof if the assistance was handed over directly, but based on information obtained, several organisations in the US, for example, are involved," Salleh was quoted saying.

Something amiss 

As veterans who had served in the security forces of Malaysia, Arshad said Patriot is well aware that politicians are known to have been in liaison with the staff of foreign embassies, while military intelligence staff maintain liaison with their military counterparts for the purpose of intelligence sharing.

"However what is unusual is the Intelligence unit DG’s allegation that the unnamed politician(s) had received regular funding in cash, physical assets and moral support from un-named foreigners.

"When offers of such nature are handed to politicians and more so, on a regular basis, then there is every reason to question whether something amiss is going on between the politician(s) and the foreigner(s)," Arshad added.

According to Utusan, Salleh said the Defence Ministry was informed on the intelligence that included identities of the Malaysian politicians and the exact dates and locations of when they met their foreign backers on overseas trips.

"This matter was informed to (country) leaders at the time, and in fact, we proposed a national psyop and psywar system.

"This psyop is to win over the people's hearts while psywar is to weaken the enemy. But this was not implemented until today," he reportedly said.

During his time in office, Salleh said the alleged foreign backings were seen during the 13th general election in 2008 and the 14th general election in 2013.  - Mkini