KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 — Controversial gambling kingpin on trial in the US Paul Phua does not have any criminal record in Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

The home minister had previously endorsed the controversial Malaysia-born figure in a letter to the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, stating that Phua is neither a member of the notorious Hong Kong-based 14K Triad nor associated with the world’s second-largest gang.

"According to police records, Paul Phua Wei Seng does not have past criminal record," he said in a written parliamentary response to Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo.

However, the minister did not state how many police reports have been lodged against Sarawak native Phua, who has reportedly taken up citizenship in Montenegro.

Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship but Zahid confirmed last month that Phua is still a Malaysian.

Zahid’s letter to the FBI dated December 18, 2014, was reportedly withdrawn as evidence in Phua’s illegal gambling trial in Las Vegas after Putrajaya objected to it being made public.

In the letter signed by the home minister, it also stated that Phua has on numerous occasions assisted the Malaysian government on projects affecting the country’s national security.

Zahid defended his decision to write a letter to the FBI clarifying Phua’s alleged involvement with the 14K triad, saying it was done within his powers as the home minister.

He also said he could not reveal why he wrote that Phua was assisting Putrajaya on security matters, adding that the letter was written following a request by the legal firm representing Phua here, Shafee & Co.

US authorities have alleged that Paul is part of the 14K triad, which has been described as a fearsome Hong Kong-based triad with international reach.

Both Phua and his son Darren were charged in a Las Vegas court on August 5 last year and both are now freed after posting bail totalling US$2.5 million (RM7.97 million).