Don’t use OSA to hide content of letter to CIA, security vets tell former ’spy agency’ chief
Why is there a major concern over the leak of the letter and not the content of the letter?
(MMO) – A retired security personnel’s group has criticised the former head of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) for claiming a letter she wrote to solicit support from the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to be a state secret.
National Patriots Association (Patriot) president Brig Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji said the nature of the letter raised issues regarding Malaysia’s sovereignty that must be immediately investigated notwithstanding the effects of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
“The content of the letter does not change by stating that it is a breach of OSA. Don’t ignore the content of the letter by pushing the focus on the OSA leak.
“It is still not certain if it is indeed an OSA document. Now that the content of letter is out, that must be probed into immediately,” he told the Malay Mail.
On Tuesday, the lawyer for former MEIO director-general Datuk Hasanah Ab Hamid confirmed the authenticity of the leaked letter appealing for the US to support the Najib administration “even if Barisan Nasional won the election by a simple majority or just one seat.”
The letter accused Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of being anti-West, anti-Semitic and autocratic, while also ignoring human rights and the rule of law.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has claimed ignorance about the letter, saying such missives were normally sent without his being expressly informed.
After confirming the letter, Hasanah’s lawyer claimed the leak caused “MEIO agents located worldwide to fear for their safety”, but it is unclear why and what would give them cause for concern.
Hasanah instead urged the police to investigate the individuals who leaked the letter signed by her, claiming it was an official government documents classified under the OSA.
