The Open Society Foundations (OSF) dismissed claims that it funded attempts to overthrow the Malaysian government, stressing that its focus was on supporting civil society.

"Claims that the Open Society Foundations funded attempts to overthrow the government in Malaysia are entirely false.

"The Open Society Foundations support justice, accountability and democratic practice around the world and in Malaysia our grant-making to civil society includes efforts to promote public health, foster fair migration policies and encourage the civic and political participation of all Malaysian citizens," it said in a statement today.