Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Tuesday took an oath to stress that he did not have any personal interest in the case of Malaysian Paul Phua Wei Seng, who is facing illegal sports betting charges in the United States.
"As a Muslim, Wallahi Wabillahi Watallahi, I have never received a single sen from Paul Phua nor have I conspired with him. I want to emphasise that I never knew him," he said when winding up the debate on his ministry on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the Dewan Rakyat here today.
He said his support letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), vouching for Paul Phua, was a collaboration in the transmission of information between the two parties.
Hence Ahmad Zahid said the letter should not be exploited by any party as it was written in a professional manner and backed the findings of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
He alleged those who disseminated a copy of the letter on the internet were being irresponsible and said it was aimed at smearing his reputation as a minister and tarnishing the image of the government.
"The letter is an official communication document between me as home minister and the FBI, it's not for public viewing, let alone to be displayed on the internet," he said, adding that the police were currently investigating this.
Paul Phua and his son, Darren Phua Wai Kit are currently under house arrest in the United States and facing charges for allegedly transmitting betting information and conducting illegal gambling activities in Las Vegas during the 2014 World Cup.
In the meantime, Ahmad Zahid said the government had taken several steps to curb the spread of IS militant ideology in the country, including cooperating with foreign intelligence agencies in terms of exchange of intelligence information.
He said the government had also blacklisted the names of those suspected of being involved in terrorist activities. Foreigners involved in terrorist activities in Malaysia would be arrested, prosecuted and deported.
"Since 2014 until now, 62,748 people were not allowed to enter the country for various offences including those suspected of terrorist activities," he said.
Bernama
Wed Mar 25 2015
He said his support letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), vouching for Paul Phua, was a collaboration in the transmission of information between the two parties.
Wedding content creation the big thing now for newlyleds
A wedding content creator's success does not rely solely in tech but in capturing emotions and bringing a couples love story to life.
Will Western companies return to Russia?
Easing restrictions could let some companies return to what was once a high-growth market under Trump's administration.
Chatbots pose challenge to guarding child mental health
Developers say AI companions can combat loneliness and improve users' social experiences in a safe space.
With blitz of policies, Trump goes beyond Project 2025's goals
Trump denies ties to Project 2025 but continues reshaping policies through executive power.
Almost half of chronic kidney patients in Malaysia lost their jobs - study
The study raises concerns about the future of chronic kidney patients, especially those who rely on long-term dialysis treatment.
Beware of scam tactics using AI
The drastic development of AI technology is being taken advantage of by scammers to reap huge profits by using various latest tactics.
Fired and rehired - the dizzying confusion of Trump's government overhaul
They have adopted a blunt force approach toward the wholesale firing of workers, often focusing on workers who are easier to fire.
Arab states scramble to counter Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' plan
Arab states trying to devise an alternative plan have yet to tackle critical issues like who will foot the bill for Gaza's reconstruction.
Chinese universities launch DeepSeek courses to capitalise on AI boom
Universities across China have launched artificial intelligence courses this month based on Chinese AI startup DeepSeek.
Astronomers reveal 3D structure of an alien planet's atmosphere
Astronomers find three layers on a scorching gas planet orbiting a star larger and hotter than the sun.
Public flips car involved in road accident to rescue child
According to JBPM, members of the public at the scene took initial action to rescue the victim before the fire brigade arrived.
Ramsay reveals hundreds of lucky cat statues stolen from new restaurant
Gordon Ramsay says about 477 Japanese cat models called maneki-neko were stolen from his Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate restaurant.
Zayn Rayyan case: Two child witnesses complete testimony today
So far, 20 prosecution witnesses, including the two children, have been called for this trial, according to the Deputy Public Prosecutor.
Macron says he will tell Trump not to be weak with Putin in Washington visit
Emmanuel Macron says showing any weakness to Russia's Vladimir Putin would make it harder to deal with China and Iran.
Israeli PM Netanyahu says Hamas will pay for not returning Shiri Bibas
Netanyahu accuse Hamas of acting "in an unspeakably cynical manner" by placing body of a Gaza woman in the coffin instead of Shiri Bibas.
Trump pulls US out of key global climate assessment, sources say
The US is a co-chair along with Malaysia of a working group on climate mitigation, or ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Japan to court Tesla on Nissan investment, FT reports
The group hopes Tesla will invest strategically, believing it's interested in acquiring Nissan's US plants, the report says.
185 children linked to GISB handed over to families - Exco
The children have been handed over to their families on bond with conditions by the court.
IRS fires 6,000 employees as Trump slashes US government
The move will eliminate roughly 6% of the agency's workforce in the midst of the busy tax-filing season.
Elon Musk wields chainsaw at conservative gathering, a gift from Argentina's Milei
This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy, says Elon Musk.