What are the national security projects alleged gambling kingpin Paul Phua is involved in referred to by minister Ahmad Zaid Hamidi in his letter to the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)?

This was among the questions posed by Fahmi in a letter he sent to the minister today seeking explanation over Zahid’s links to Phua and the motive behind the minister’s letter to the FBI.

The questions are:

  • Is the letter that was published on South China Morning Post in the article titled ‘Accused gambling kingpin Paul Phua assisting Malaysia on matters of national security’ true and verified?

 

  • How can a letter which marked ‘PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL’ end up being published in the website?

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  • What is meant by the “projects affecting our national security” that Zahid mentioned in the letter?

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  • Is Paul Phua Wei Seng a member of ‘14K’ triad? Has he ever been arrested or charge in Malaysia before this?

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  • Did Zahid refer to the police force whether Paul Phua was a member of 14K before sending the letter?

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  • Before sending the letter, did Zahid discuss and get advice from the attorney-general on the contents of the letter?

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  • Has Zahid released a letter or expressed his views to the International Police (Interpol) which issued an arrest warrant on Muslim scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi?
    • In the letter to the FBI issued on request by Phua’s lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, Zahid clears Phua of involvement in illegal drugs, gambling and money laundering activities.

    Shafee said the letter was written by Zahid to clear a mistake by the Malaysian police in their report on Phua to the FBI.

    Phua is facing trial in the US for allegedly running an illegal gambling operation in Las Vegas.

    On Tuesday, Malaysiakini reported that Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi did not consult the police before penning a letter in defence of Phua (left) to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    Police sources also defended their findings on Phua as accurate.

    When asked at a press conference, Zahid declined comment and said he will respond later.