US Embassy Denies Influence Claims Following Hadi Awang’s Foreign Interference Allegation

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 — The United States Embassy in Malaysia has categorically denied allegations that Washington ever sought to determine Malaysia’s political leadership, describing any claims to the contrary as false.

In a statement published on the embassy’s official Facebook page today, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim David H. Gamble Jr. refuted claims alleging American interference in the nation’s political governance.

“The United States has never sought to determine Malaysia’s political leadership. Any account to the contrary is false,” Gamble stated.

The embassy’s response follows remarks made by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang during his winding-up speech at the 72nd PAS Annual Muktamar in Kota Bharu yesterday. Abdul Hadi alleged that US representatives had previously offered to help the party unseat the then-Barisan Nasional administration and take over government leadership during former US President Barack Obama’s visit in 2014, when PAS was part of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition. He also claimed a US ambassador had requested a meeting to inquire whom PAS proposed as prime minister.

In response to the allegations, PKR deputy secretary-general Sivamalar Genapathy urged Abdul Hadi to either produce concrete evidence supporting his claims or formally withdraw the statement and apologize, stressing that unsubstantiated allegations risk damaging Malaysia’s international credibility and diplomatic ties.

“This is not about defending the United States. This is about defending Malaysia. If a foreign power genuinely attempted to interfere in our political process, the matter must be investigated and appropriate action taken,” Sivamalar said in a Facebook post, questioning why the matter remained unmentioned for 12 years without reports filed with law enforcement or security agencies.

Sivamalar, who is also a member of the PKR Central Leadership Council, called on relevant authorities to examine the claim and urged Abdul Hadi to extend full cooperation by providing all evidence, records, or witness details in his possession.

–NMT