M’sia will not hit back at S’pore for alleged spying

Malaysia does not intend to retaliate against Singapore over allegations that the city-state helped the United States and Australia tap telecommunications links in Asia for espionage purposes, Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said yesterday.

“We could also think of ways to do the same, but we won’t and should not do this,” he was quoted as saying by The Star after officiating at the 11th Malaysia International Conference on Communications in Kuala Lumpur.

He said that the government will determine if there were any breaches in security and, if there was proof, it would lodge a strong protest with the US.

News agency Bernama had earlier this week cited an online news portal, which reported that secret documents leaked by American whistle-blower Edward Snowden revealed that Singapore had aided an intelligence group that allegedly spied on Malaysia.

Malaysia on Tuesday summoned the Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr Ong Keng Yong, to clarify the allegations. Mr Ong told Malaysian officials he did not have information about the claims, which were also reported in Australian media.

Mr Ong also said: “We have no interest in doing anything that might harm our partners or the friendship between our two countries.” AGENCIES