EX-SPY chief Hasanah Ab Hamid, who was charged and later acquitted for her alleged involvement in the 1MDB scandal, has died. She was 66. 

According to reports, the former director-general of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation died at noon after suffering from liver cancer. 

Hasanah will be laid to rest at the Kajang Muslim cemetery. 

Previously, Hasanah was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, which meant she was released from charges but could face another trial if the prosecution decided to charge her again with criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM50.4 million. 

She was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code on Oct 25, 2018, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years, whipping, and a fine on conviction. 

In August last year, the High Court had fully acquitted Hasanah of charges involving RM50.4 million in her criminal breach of trust trial as the “main ingredient” of the case against her had collapsed. 

The prosecution could not prove she had misappropriated funds meant for the government, which she received in her capacity as director-general of the research division of the Prime Minister’s Department. 

Hasanah rose to prominence in 2018 when her letter to then-US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director Gina Haspel was leaked to the public. In the letter that was sent a week before the 2018 general election, she sought US support for the incumbent government of Barisan Nasional. 

It was later confirmed that the letter was genuine, but Hasanah argued that as it was classified under the Official Secrets Act and should not have been leaked. 

Hasanah had said it was normal for Malaysian intelligence agency directors to exchange views and strengthen ties and trust, including with the CIA. – May 5, 2023.