Najib Abdul Razak said he did not instruct the Research Division in the Prime Minister's Department to pen a letter to the CIA seeking US support ahead of the May 9 general election.

The former prime minister also claimed he had no knowledge about the letter and what was reported in the correspondence that suggested it was about securing US' support after, and not before the election.

“I am surprised,” Najib told Malaysiakini this afternoon. “I did not even know of its existence. Not all letters have to go through me.”

Najib pointed out that agencies, especially those related to intelligence matters, have the autonomy to perform their duties for reasons they think would benefit them.

"While I have not had a chance to see the letter, what was reported by the media suggested that this letter was to seek that the US continues its support for the Malaysia government should BN win the election for reasons of the country's stability, post-election.

“What was reported about the letter does not seem to seek US backing to help win the elections - but after the election,” he added.

Najib said the letter could have been sent with the intention to preserve the stability of the government after the election in the event of a narrow win.

“Perhaps the media can reveal the whole letter so everyone, including me, can have a better understanding?" he added.

Read more: PM Dept's letter to CIA sought US backing in event of narrow GE14 win

Earlier, Malaysiakini, which sighted the three-page letter dated May 4 to then CIA director-designate Gina Haspel, reported that the letter appealed for US' support for Najib's administration even if BN wins with a simple majority or a single seat.

The letter was penned by the Research Division's director-general Hasanah Ab Hamid.

The letter painted Najib as a progressive leader and a staunch supporter of the US while describing Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as “anti-West”.

Well-placed sources linked to the Pakatan Harapan government confirmed the authenticity of the letter but declined to comment.

Meanwhile, a source close to Najib expressed disappointment with those accusing Najib of treason over the letter.

"Actually it seems like this (the letter) was sent with the best of intention that the country does not fall into civil strife or mass demonstrations post-GE14, in case of a hung government or narrow win,” he told Malaysiakini.

“Doesn't the current government have more important things to do other than to leak sensitive military intelligence letters between countries to the media in order to continue slandering Najib? For example, more important things like running our country now that you are in power?” he added.