Former Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO) director-general Hasanah Ab Hamid wants the police to investigate who leaked her letter to CIA director Gina Haspel ahead of the May 9 general election.

This was revealed by her lawyer Shaharudin Ali during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur this evening.

He said Hasanah, who lodged a police report on the matter earlier today, was shocked to learn that the letter was leaked to the public.

Malaysiakini understands that she found out about the leak at about 8pm on July 15 when she was at the Putrajaya Lake Club.

Malaysiakini had reported the leak on July 19.

"Following the leak, various polemics surfaced. Among them is that the letter is treacherous.

"This perception is wrong and meant to satisfy the political lust of certain quarters," Shaharudin quoted his client as saying.

Hasanah, according to him, also said it is important to investigate the mastermind behind the leak.

"If this continues to happen, the trust on MEIO (by other Intelligence agencies) will fade and national security will weaken," added the lawyer on her behalf.

Asked if former premier Najib Abdul Razak knew of the letter, Shahrudin said he cannot speak on behalf of the former premier.

However, he added that not all information exchanged between MEIO and other agencies are made known to the prime minister.

The letter, dated May 4, had sought US' support in the event BN wins the general election with a narrow margin.

It also painted Najib as a staunch US ally and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as “anti-West” and “anti-Semite”.

Najib has denied any knowledge of the letter or that he instructed Hasanah to write it.

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