Malaysia authorities detains former director-general of External intelligence Organization

SANAA, Aug. 29 (YPA) – The Malaysian authorities on Tuesday detained former director-general Malaysian External Intelligence Organization Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid to help in the probe in the latest case of misappropriation of election funds.

The Malaysian newspaper The Star said that MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest but did not share any details.

“Yes, we are detaining her for questioning,” he said when contacted by the newspaper.

The newspaper added that Previously, Hasanah, the former head of the Malaysian spy agency, had written to CIA director Gina Haspel, appealing to the United States to support Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s administration.

Several screenshots of the letter were leaked, which went viral.

Hasanah’s lawyer Datuk Shaharudin Ali later said that the letter was legal and falls under the Official Secrets Act, the newspaper said.

Ahmed Al-Mutawakel