Wisma Putra to let police probe leak of diplomatic information

Wisma Putra today said it would allow the police to investigate an audio recording of a ministry official complaining about problems allegedly faced by Malaysian diplomats overseas, following revelations that the voice message had been leaked by an aide to a former foreign minister.

In a statement, it said the individual suspected of making the recording had been identified and called in for questioning.

“He has made a full confession that he was the one who made the recording, and that the individual with a ‘Datin’ title was the aide to a former foreign minister before the Pakatan Harapan or Perikatan Nasional administrations,” it said.

“Given that a police report was made on the matter on April 11, and that the issue involves individuals outside of the foreign ministry, the internal investigation report will be handed over to the police for further study and appropriate action.”

MalaysiaNow earlier reported that the Datin might find herself in trouble for leaking sensitive information that could affect Malaysia’s diplomatic presence abroad.

The development follows Wisma Putra’s recent action against two of its diplomats in the UAE who failed to make arrangements for an official visit by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob late last month.

Malaysia’s ambassador to the UAE, Tarid Sufian, and its consul-general in Dubai, Hasril Abdul Hamid, were stationed in Putrajaya after their communication blunder kept UAE officials in the dark about Ismail’s visit.

It was learnt that the host was left embarrassed by the absence of protocol normally accorded to visiting heads of state, with UAE officials apologising to the Malaysian delegation.

It is understood that Wisma Putra has in the past taken similar action against diplomats for failing in their duties.