US Embassy Denies Seeking to Influence Malaysia’s Political Leadership

The United States has never sought to determine Malaysia’s political leadership, the US Embassy in Malaysia said Sunday, rejecting an allegation made by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David H. Gamble Jr. said any claim that Washington had attempted to influence who should lead Malaysia was false.

The statement came a day after Abdul Hadi alleged that US representatives had offered to help PAS bring down the then-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. 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 a US ambassador later sought a meeting with him and asked whom PAS proposed as prime minister.

PKR deputy secretary-general Sivamalar Genapathy called on Abdul Hadi to provide evidence supporting the allegation or withdraw it and apologize. She said the claim involved issues of foreign interference, national security and Malaysia’s sovereignty.

Sivamalar urged Abdul Hadi to identify the US official who allegedly made the offer and disclose details about the assistance purportedly offered, those present at the meeting, and any documents, communications or witnesses that could support the claim.

She also questioned why the allegation had remained undisclosed for about 12 years and whether PAS had reported the matter to Malaysian authorities or relevant government bodies at the time.

“This is not about defending the United States. This is about defending Malaysia,” Sivamalar said, arguing that any genuine attempt by a foreign power to interfere in Malaysia’s political process should be investigated.

At the same time, she warned that making an extraordinary allegation against a foreign government without evidence could damage Malaysia’s diplomatic relations and international credibility.

Sivamalar called on authorities to examine the matter and urged Abdul Hadi to provide any evidence in his possession.

“An allegation of this magnitude cannot end as political rhetoric. Prove it, or withdraw the allegation and apologise,” she said.