MACC might recall spies stationed abroad for questioning

MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Azam Baki has not ruled out the possibility that Malaysian intelligence officers stationed abroad might be recalled for questioning.

This is in relation to the commission's ongoing probe which has led to the arrest of seven former intelligence officers and the unit's ex-chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid.

Met at MACC's headquarters this afternoon, Azam said all those who are suspected of being involved would be investigated.

He also did not discount the possibility of other businesspersons being involved.

Last night, MACC detained a 47-year-old businesperson in Kelantan, following which, the commission recovered USD4.07 million stashed in a condominium in Cyberjaya.

"That is why I urge them to come clean. We will protect them as witnesses. Come forward now, before we get to them," Azam told Malaysiakini.

Earlier, a source familiar with the case said MACC might investigate more intelligence officers, including the unit's “station chiefs”, who head intelligence teams abroad.

Malaysiakini also reported that the intelligence officers might have received a total of US$12 million from a Middle Eastern, which was later brought into Malaysia ahead of the May 9 general election.

Azam confirmed that MACC is checking if the money was used for election purposes.

At a press conference earlier, the deputy commissioner revealed that a total of US$6.3 million was seized during their probe and there is still another US$5 million being sought.

The clandestine unit known as the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) landed in the limelight in July when a letter Hasanah had penned to the CIA just days before the 14th general election was leaked.

In her letter, she had sought US' support even if BN wins the polls with a single seat. - Mkini