Putrajaya has denied appointing Healy Baumgardner-Nardone, a former aide to US President Donald Trump, to carry out lobbying activities.

“We always welcome friends from around the world who rightly point out that Malaysia has a successful business-friendly economy open to trade and investment, and is a moderate Muslim-majority country which, under Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's leadership, is a firm partner in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

“However, contrary to recent media reports and a registration statement, neither the Prime Minister's Office nor government of Malaysia has instructed, appointed or contracted in any form with the Godfrey Group Ltd, the 45 Group or Healy Baumgardner-Nardone,” said Najib's press aide Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad in a media statement.