BOMBSHELL – LETTER TO CIA SHOWS NAJIB PREPARING TO DECLARE EMERGENCY RULE TO GRAB POWER FROM DR M, SAYS REPORT: EX-PM’S SPY AGENCY SEEKING U.S. SUPPORT FOR WHAT HAPPENED AFTER GE14, RATHER THAN FOR GE14 ITSELF – EX-DIPLOMAT

PETALING JAYA – A former ambassador today claimed a letter purportedly written by the top intelligence officer under the previous Najib Razak administration to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) hints at plans for an “extra judicial power grab” in the aftermath of the 14th general election (GE14).

“I find it very strange, even bizarre, that our intelligence agency, a government department, would send such a letter to their US counterpart,” Dennis Ignatius told FMT.

“My sense is that there is perhaps more than meets the eye here.”

Dennis was referring to a letter allegedly written on behalf of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) and signed by Hasanah Ab Hamid, who also led a unit under the Research Division of the Prime Minister’s Department.

The former high commissioner to Canada noted that the letter didn’t ask for US support to win the election.

Rather, it appeared to seek their understanding and support in the period immediately following the election, he said.

Dennis claimed this suggested that in the final days of campaigning, Najib was anticipating losing the election and might have had to use the National Security Council Act to stay in power.

“Under such circumstances, MEIO was attempting to persuade the CIA and the US government to endorse an extra-judicial power grab by BN in the interests of national and regional stability.”

He said the letter attempted to convince the US that such a move would serve Washington’s interests well, given Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s previous anti-Western bias, and that Najib might be more mindful of the US’ interests in relation to China, if it endorsed whatever actions Najib might take.

“It represents, in my view, nothing less than a shocking and shameful appeal to the US to side with Najib against Mahathir in the event of an electoral impasse or a close call.

“It follows a pattern set by other regimes on the verge of losing power.

“Though Najib himself may or may not have known about the letter, it is an indication of the extent his administration was willing to go to hold on to power.”

Najib has distanced himself from the alleged letter, saying he was not aware of it.

Dennis said he doubted that such letters were sent to other countries, including China, especially since China already endorsed the Najib administration and would likely go along with anything he did to retain power.

“All our other neighbours would, of course, have hidden behind the so-called ‘non-interference’ principle and said nothing.”

He said the letter to the CIA would now lend credence to the speculation that at least some in Najib’s camp were making plans for emergency rule in the event BN lost the election.

“While time will tell whether all this is fact or fiction, I believe it warrants a thorough investigation as proposed by the National Patriots Association (Patriot).”

Earlier today, Patriot called on the authorities to investigate the letter which it described as “treacherous” and “treasonous”.

Patriot president Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji said the purported letter had discussed internal security matters and foreign policy matters that should not have been shared.

– FMT