THE controversial research department that was the front for an intelligence agency under the previous Barisan Nasional government, will be disbanded, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“We don’t need such intelligence agencies to spy on Malaysians,” the prime minister said after chairing the first Pakatan Harapan government cabinet meeting in Putrajaya this morning.

He said he did not know about all the activities of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) as he had not been briefed yet. 

“I have not been fully briefed, but the agency is unnecessary,” he added. 

Dr Mahathir was commenting on a question about MEIO’s activities, which was said to be a highly secretive agency that answered only to former prime minister Najib Razak. It had a staff of about 300, with some of them posted overseas.

Malaysia Decides broke the story on this agency, which was to keep tabs on government critics and the opposition’s activities. All these were to keep Najib in power.

The 92-year-old prime minister said the agency did not exist during his 22 years as PM.

“During my time, I don’t remember having such an intelligence agency. Yes, it will be disbanded,” said Dr Mahathir.

Malaysia Decides also reported today that an MEIO official had lodged a police report complaining about a Wikipedia entry that alleged he had siphoned billions of ringgit from scandal-ridden 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

In the report, the official said he was accused of managing some RM3 billion, including helping a top officer buy luxury vehicles and properties. 

The police report was lodged after police raided MEIO director-general Hasanah Ab Hamid’s home. Police believe Najib had handed sensitive documents to Hasanah two days before GE14.

Hasanah has been ordered to go on leave while the two building where the unit used to operate from has been sealed off. – May 23, 2018.