FINANCE minister Lim Guan Eng today described a letter purportedly sent by the former government’s spy agency to the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) seeking support for Barisan Nasional as an affront to the sovereignty of Malaysia.

Lim also urged the authorities to investigate if other similar appeals were sent out prior to the May 9 general election.

“This is a very drastic action because it involves the sovereignty of the country. This invites foreign powers to intervene in the country’s affairs,” Lim said at the Parliament lobby today.

“This raises a lot of questions on the letter. At the same time, we ask if this letter was sent to other countries? Are there more letters?”

Lim urged the relevant authorities to investigate the matter extensively as it involves Malaysia’s independence and security.

Several days ago, copies of a letter allegedly sent by the Research Division under the Prime Minister’s Department to CIA director Gina Haspel were circulated by news outlets.

The letter, dated five days before the 14th general election, requested support for former prime minister Najib Razak’s administration in the event that the results of the election turned out to be close.

The letter was signed by the unit’s former director-general Hasanah Ab Hamid.

The Malaysian Insight attempted to contact Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun, his deputy, Noor Rashid Ibrahim, federal Crime Investigation Department chief Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd and Special Branch director Abdul Hamid Bador for comments, but has yet to receive any response.

Yesterday, veterans’ group Patriot lashed out at police for the failure to launch an investigation into the letter. – July 26, 2018.