KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demanded today a response from Datuk Seri Najib Razak over the spy scandal expose involving the US and Australia, saying such acts of espionage demonstrates an utter disregard for Malaysia's sovereignty.
The Opposition Leader asked the prime minister why he has still remained silent in the face of such news, pointing out that other nations like Germany, Brazil and Spain have already voice their disgust.
“Malaysia, on the other hand, under Dato’ Sri Najib has chosen to remain tongue-tied,” Anwar said in a statement here.
“I condemn in the strongest terms these acts of espionage by the embassies and high commissions of these countries which demonstrate their utter disregard for the sovereignty of Malaysia.”
The practice by these countries of allegedly secretly interception communications in a country with which they purportedly share “warm and friendly diplomatic relations” constitutes a “serious breach of trust” and is “completely unacceptable”, Anwar added.
On the heels of the US espionage storm, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reported yesterday that Australia's electronic intelligence agency was using its diplomatic missions to spy on its Asian neighbours.
Citing new information disclosed by intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden and a former Australian intelligence officer, the Australian newspaper also reported that clandestine surveillance facilities at embassies were carried out without the knowledge of most Australian diplomats.
SMH’s revelations come as Washington DC was left red-faced by global news reports it had been eavesdropping on allies, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Australian Greens leader Christine Milne yesterday called for the Australian government to review its intelligence gathering methods.
On Wednesaday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government would “study” the spying allegations first before deciding its course of action.
Previously Anwar demanded that Putrajaya lodge a protest against the US for using its KL embassy to listen in on Malaysian leaders.
“People are disgusted with the way that the intelligence apparatus are being used to spy ... latest of course in Spain,” the opposition leader told The Malay Mail Online.
“I think the Malaysian intelligence, in particular the prime minister, should not be seen to be so submissive and not prepared to say anything.
“They must lodge a protest, there is no reason for any country, foreign country, whether it’s United States or any other country to be involved in any internal espionage in any country.”
Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob from the ruling Barisan Nasional has also criticised the US for using its KL embassy to run a monitoring station to tap telephones and monitor communications networks, describing it as “immoral” and called for protest should the allegation be true.
He said although the Cabinet will have the last say, the rural and agro-based industries minister said Putrajaya should immediately send a protest note to Washington if the accusations are verified.
