PARLIAMENT Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has dismissed concerns that the Malaysian military was spied on during last month’s exercise with the US army.

“There was no indication that foreign intelligence was present during the exercise which was agreed upon at the national level,” he told Parliament during question time this morning.

He was responding to Er Teck Hwa (DAP-Bakri) who had expressed concern about foreign military presence in the country.

However, Hishammuddin said such exercises are not arbitrarily held and both sides have been briefed on the do’s and don’ts including on the safety of sensitive information.

“Members of the Malaysian armed forces are also reminded to only disclose information on a need-to-know basis when interacting with foreign soldiers to avoid information leaks,” he said.

He added that the military exercise with the US was an annual event since the signing of a memorandum in 1990.

Hishammuddin was referring to the joint-exercise between the Malaysian Armed Forces and United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) in Kelantan between Sept 13 and 26.

On a related matter, Hishammuddin reiterated that reports quoting Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Jonathan W Greenert as saying that the US would place P8-A Poseidon aircraft in Sabah were untrue.

Hishammuddin said Jonathan’s statement was “misinterpreted” and US 7th Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Robert L Thomas had likewise confirmed the error.

“We have never given any approval.

“For any foreign country to place asset in this country, they must make an application to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. It will be scrutinised and approval may be given on a case-by-case basis,” he said.