Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has reserved comment on the Wikileaks expose involving alleged wrongdoings of Malaysian-based companies, pending a Bukit Aman briefing and consultation with foreign diplomatic partners and intelligence agencies.

hishammuddin hussein ppsmi languanges debate issue 260209 06 "On cross borders matters like this, we need to involve Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Wisma Putra. Our (foreign policies) concerning our bilateral and multilateral ties (with foreign countries) are involved," said Hishammuddin ( right ) during a press conference at the parliament lobby today.

All relevant parties, he said, must be considered as the government cannot work alone in this matter as we now live in a global village.

"We must also consult with foreign intelligence agencies," he added.

Quizzed about details of the local companies involved, Hishammuddin again sidestepped the issue.

"There are Malaysian companies involved, but I cannot say unless I discuss with relevant parties first.

"It is a new issue and the effect is serious, let us handle this in the proper way and work with the relevant parties," said the Sembrong parliamentarian.

NONE Whistle-blowing website Wikileaks last week released thousands of US diplomatic cables, some of which implicated Malaysian companies in wrongdoings by helping embargoed nations acquire strategic-arms linked products.

One such company Skylife Worldwide has apparently been investigated by the police.

Spokesperson for sensational cases

On the shooting case involving noodle seller Ho Chei Hang,who claimed that he was shot four times without justification by police in early November, the minister passed the ball to the police.

There is one way to handle sensational cases, which he will propose to the police. High profile cases like this must have a special spokesperson to field questions, he said.

He also said that the police must ensure a transparent investigation and that the correct punishment must be applied when the case is concluded. "Even if it is on our own officers," he said.

NONE Ho ( right ), a 32-year-old noodle seller who operates several stalls in Kepong and Jinjang, was shot by police in what they claim was an anti-drug operation during the 6pm incident in Kepong Baru against "dangerous suspects armed with pistols".

Ho, however, maintained his innocence, saying that he did not have a weapon on him at the time. He claimed police shot him without identifying themselves nor giving any warning.

The noodle seller has lodged a report with Suhakam on the incident.

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