S’pore must prove it’s not involved in alleged spying, says DPM

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OFFICIALLY CLOSED: Muhyiddin (centre) at the closing ceremony of the X-Maya 5 yesterday. Also seen are Minister in the Prime
Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (left) and National Security Council secretary Datuk Mohamed Thajudeen Abdul Wahab. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore must submit proof and clear information if the allegation that it is involved in spying activities on Malaysia is not true.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government took a serious view on the allegation as Singapore was the closest neighbour and had close ties with Malaysia.

“Whatever information that we have, anything that concerns espionage that is mentioned by anyone related to our country is something we don’t take lightly.

“If Singapore says that this is not true, then it must provide us with information to refute the allegation and the proof that it is not true,” he told reporters after closing the Practical Training on National Cyber Crisis 2013 (X-Maya 5), here yesterday.

He said such allegation should not have cropped up in view of the cordial relations forged between Singapore and Malaysia for such a long time.

“True or not, an investigation (on the allegation) must be carried out.

“Whether there is any basis for it, the allegation must be scrutinised, studied and taken into account. But we treat such matters and allegations seriously,” he said.

Muhyiddin said he left it to the Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, to handle the matter.

In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said it would call up Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia to seek clarification on the allegation.

A news portal had earlier reported on the secret document leaked by a United States informant, Edward Snowden, disclosing that Singapore had helped an intelligence group alleged to be involved in spying activities on Malaysia. — Bernama