Find And Punish Malaysians Who Leak Info To Foreign Powers, Says Education Minister
Their act of leaking information could destroy the nation.
By Tang Ruxyn — 15 Aug 2016, 07:04 AM
Malaysians who leaked information to outside parties should be punished, said UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid
According to Mahdzir, these Malaysians should be punished for tarnishing the country's image as their act of leaking information could lead to foreign intervention into the country's affairs.
"We do not want outside parties to interfere in the country’s affairs, if they do, and we leak information, it would destroy the nation," he told the reporters after officiating the Maran UMNO delegates meeting yesterday, 14 August.
"We are talking about the country’s sovereignty, nationhood, something which cannot be given up to others. We should seek (those who leaked information) and punish them," the Education Minister was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The Padang Terap MP further explained that foreign powers need not meddle with Malaysian affairs as the country is led by a democratically elected government
"It is a question of honour, of the country and leadership, the prime minister (Najib Razak) was elected by the people through a legitimate process, the general election, so as Malaysians we must have the solidarity and strength to support our prime minister," he added.
He also advised the people not to be easily influenced by allegations made against the country leadership, but to remain united and maintain peace in the country.
The UMNO machinery, he said, would go down to the grassroots to brief party members and the people so that they had a clear understanding of the issues.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that Malaysia may risk losing her sovereignty if the people share its confidential information with outsiders
"History shows that we would lose our sovereignty if we are willing to work in cahoots with foreigners," said Najib while making reference to the past when the Malacca Sultanate fell to the Portuguese, as reported by The Star Online on Saturday, 13 August.
He also noted that some former UMNO leaders have become too engrossed with achieving their personal goals that they have joined forces with foreigners without considering the consequences.
He said that he will not budge when it comes to defending the sovereignty of the country, adding that a successor will take over his position when the time is right.
"No one can force me out just like that," said Najib.
For the last few weeks, local political leaders have been talking about rejecting foreign interference in the affairs of the country after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed lawsuits in connection with the 1MDB probe
Wanita UMNO chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had reportedly warned that "foreign meddling" may cause conflict and civil war in Malaysia while BN Strategic Communications director Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said some quarters were attempting to interfere in the affairs of the nation openly and covertly.
Additionally, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has also echoed these sentiments, saying that foreigner powers should not poke into Malaysia's business in probing 1MDB.
"What is important is the case should be probed fairly and transparently by our own people. Do not go to the extent that others can meddle in our business. It is our own fault if this happens," he was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini.