Dr Ahmad Zahid warns against foreign meddling to destabilise Malaysia’s political system

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19: JOHOR- Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi(pic) working visit to Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) CIQ Complex, Johor Bahru at 1345 (0545 GMT) KUALA LUMPUR- Release of September 2016 Consumer Price Index at 1200 (0400 GMT) KUALA LUMPUR- Science Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah and Deputy Education Minister P.Kamalanathan attend the closing of National ICT Security Discourse: CyberSAFE Challenge Trophy at Taming Sari 3, Hotel Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur at 1300 (0500 GMT) KUALA LUMPUR- Official Opening Of 7th Muslim World Biz Exhibition and Conference and the Jewels of Muslim World Award, Exhibition Hall 3, Putra World Trade Centre at 1430 (0630 GMT) MALACCA- Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai attends Melaka Gateway Port (Pulau Panjang) foundation stone laying ceremony at Pulau Melaka at 1430 (0630 GMT)

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not tolerate any form of foreign intervention that tries to influence the direction of the country’s political system, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, said that the country does not need any foreign funds to influence the sentiments of the general public.

“Malaysia shall not be influenced by foreign funding from these parties that is channelled either to online media, non-governmental organisations or individuals,” he said during his wrapping up speech of the 2017 Budget in Parliament Wednesday.

Datuk Liang Teck Meng (BN-Simpang Renggam) had asked the Home Ministry to state the action taken following reports that hedge fund billionaire George Soros had allegedly funded local civil society groups and a news portal.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said since the previous government administrations, the individual had been described as a ‘financial robber’ (penyangak kewangan).

“If it is true as reported in the media which was sourced from a foreign report, the investigation on the matter will not just include the individual, but the government is committed to probe any organisation or portals that are suspected of receiving the funding to destabilise the country’s political system,” said Dr Ahmad Zahid.

He said such investigation was needed to ensure that no foreign intervention would take place in the country.

Several MPs supported the move to investigate any attempts by foreigners to channel funds to local organisations.

Datuk Mohamad Shahrum Osman (BN-Lipis) said the matter should not be taken lightly and urged authorities to investigate those organisations.

“We want to know where the fund is going,” he said.

Dr Idris Ahmad (PAS-Bukit Gantang) said action should be taken immediately under the various laws including the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act.