The United States has denied ever attempting to determine Malaysia’s political leadership, describing any claim to the contrary as false.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires David H. Gamble Jr. issued the denial in a statement posted on the official Facebook page of the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
“Any statement to the contrary is false,” he said.
The statement came after PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang claimed that a US representative had offered assistance to the party to bring down the Barisan Nasional government and take over the administration.
Abdul Hadi made the allegation during his winding-up speech at the 72nd PAS Annual Muktamar in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, yesterday.
He claimed the matter arose when PAS was part of the former Pakatan Rakyat coalition during then-US President Barack Obama’s visit to Malaysia in 2014. He also alleged that the US ambassador later sought a meeting with him and asked who PAS would propose as prime minister.
Following the US Embassy’s denial, PKR deputy secretary-general G. Sivamalar Genapathy called on Abdul Hadi to provide evidence supporting the allegation or withdraw it and apologise.
She said the claim concerned foreign interference, national security and Malaysia’s sovereignty, and noted that the US Embassy had issued a categorical denial.
Sivamalar, who is also a PKR Central Leadership Council member, said Abdul Hadi should identify the US official who allegedly made the offer, explain what assistance was offered and name those present. She also asked whether any records, communications or witnesses could substantiate the claim.
She further questioned why the allegation had remained undisclosed for about 12 years and whether PAS had reported it to the police, the Foreign Ministry, the National Security Council, or the government at the time.
Sivamalar urged the authorities to examine the matter and Abdul Hadi to provide any evidence in his possession.
“If the allegation cannot be substantiated, making such a claim against a foreign government is irresponsible and risks damaging Malaysia’s diplomatic relations and international credibility,” she said.
