KUALA LUMPUR: Aware of threats posed by international intelligence agencies including Mossad, Malaysia is taking extra precautions to ensure safety amid its firm stance on geopolitical issues, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the country has become a target for arms smuggling by Mossad agents, possibly due to its commitment in calling out atrocities and injustice faced by Palestinians.
“This information is based on recent intelligence briefings. We are treating this matter seriously, following strong evidence of their (Mossad’s) presence here,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during the Prime Minister’s Question Time.
He was responding to a supplementary question by Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang), who asked the Prime Minister to explain whether measures have been taken to ensure the country is safe from the threat of Mossad agents.
Anwar said several threats from foreign intelligence agencies had been identified and action taken, citing the arrest of a Malaysian couple found helping Mossad agents smuggle weapons from Thailand.
“Extra measures have also been taken and the Home Ministry is increasing our capabilities to monitor the situation,” he added.
He said Putrajaya will continue to give voice to the atrocities and injustice happening in the Middle East and will not be swayed by external pressures.
Malaysia will remain firm on the issue even if it may lead to unfair tariff impositions by US President Donald Trump, he added.
“Our stand, as a free and independent country, will remain firm despite any objections or intimidation,” Anwar said in response to a supplementary question by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar).
Syed Saddiq had asked whether Malaysia’s firm position on the Middle East conflict was a factor for Trump’s decision to impose unfair tariffs on Malaysian goods.
Anwar said negotiations on the tariffs are still ongoing and that Malaysia had voiced its views through several meetings, including the recent one with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“The US decision (on tariffs) is unfair, unilateral and goes against the World Trade Organisation’s principles and existing agreements,” Anwar added.
Malaysia was slapped with a 24% rate in April, which was later increased to 25%, to be enforced on Aug 1.
