Two electoral groups have criticised Umno information chief Annuar Musa who cited them in his bid to link Maria Chin Abdullah to the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Annuar claimed the Bersih chairperson is linked with the CIA through her work with the Asia Network for Free Elections (Anfrel) and the Philippines' National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel).

"It is the most common and oldest dirty tactic employed by any ruling power, to suppress and defame those opposing them...

"I can't help but wonder why such a careless and baseless accusation can come out from an honorable person like Annuar," Anfrel executive director Ichal Supriadi said in an email to Malaysiakini.

Ichal also invited Annuar to visit Anfrel's office in Bangkok to view its operations so he would know that the NGO operates in an independent manner.

"I am sure that he will be surprised to know that his accusation is baseless," he said.

Anfrel chairperson Dammy Magbual said many of Anfrel’s committee members, including himself, serve without remuneration.

"Annuar should prove his statement. If only you know the financial condition of Anfrel. You will realise how cruel the accusation is," Magbual added in a separate email to Malaysiakini.

Magbual, who is also Namfrel national council board member, said as a volunteer, he spends his own money for activities in Namfrel.

'Marcos camp started CIA claim in 1986'

He said the CIA allegation against Namfrel has been debunked in several published books.

He added that it was first made by the Ferdinand Marcos camp during the 1986 Philippine election.

Magbual also clarified that several Malaysian activists visited Namfrel to learn from their experience, as Namfrel is a pioneer in the region, but this is the extent of its ties with Malaysian civil societies.

"Namfrel is oftentimes invited to share its experience with civil society organisations from all over the globe.

"I have been in all six continents for this purpose," he added.

Annuar claimed yesterday that Maria has CIA links, adding that she is "no ordinary person" and her background warranted further investigation.

Former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan has challenged Annuar to make the same claims on an affidavit.

Police said Maria was arrested last Friday, on the eve of the Nov 19 Bersih rally, for documents found in a raid at the Bersih office in Petaling Jaya.

She is held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, which allows detention without trial for up to 28 days.

According to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam), she is held in solitary confinement in a windowless cell and provided with only cold water and a wooden bed without a mattress.

Maria has filed a habeas corpus application challenging the detention, which will be heard next week.