Ahmad Zahid takes oath denying personal interest in Paul Phua's case

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.