Minister dismisses Samsuri's spy claims as standard VVIP security - Report
Published: Apr 11, 2025 12:04 AM
Updated: 2:04 AM
Summary:
- Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution downplayed Terengganu MB Ahmad Samsuri’s claim of being under surveillance, saying all VVIPs have security details, not spies.
- Saifuddin said Samsuri is making an issue out of standard security procedures that others accept.
- Samsuri alleged he’s been flagged under the Travel Control Order (TCO) since late 2024, with constant monitoring and phone tapping aimed at political opponents.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has reportedly downplayed Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s claim of being under state surveillance.
According to Free Malaysia Today, the minister (above) said Samsuri’s status as the head of the state government means he is accorded a security detail at all times.
As such, any additional surveillance would not be necessary.
“As the menteri besar, he is chaperoned by police officers for safety purposes at all times. There is no need to ‘spy’ on him as the police are always with him.
“I was personally listed (under surveillance) from 2000 to 2004. I considered it part of the authorities’ duty in carrying out their responsibilities.
“I gave full cooperation and respected their role. After a certain period, my name was removed from the list,” reportedly told the news portal on Thursday.
He also remarked that all VVIPs in the country are under surveillance for security reasons, but only Samsuri has chosen to make it an issue while others understand the situation.
Saifuddin was the Lunas assemblyperson in Kedah from 2000 to 2004, but did not hold any government position at the time whether at the state or federal level.
Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
Earlier that day, Samsuri claimed he was flagged under the “Travel Control Office / Order” (TCO) – a domestic security designation for individuals purportedly deemed a “risk” or “threat”.
“This ‘status’ enables complete, stealthy and continuous surveillance of all forms of movement, communication and interactions of the person of concern (or of interest).
“It is done, so nobly under the guise of ‘national security’ or ‘political stability’, when in reality, it is often wielded as a political tool and an easy information gathering method on political adversaries, in an attempt to control and pressure certain voices,” he said.
He alleged that this has been in place since the last quarter of 2024, and at least one other prominent opposition figure is also under TCO surveillance.
In addition, he claimed his phone had been tapped.
Earlier that day, Samsuri claimed he was flagged under the “Travel Control Office / Order” (TCO) – a domestic security designation for individuals purportedly deemed a “risk” or “threat”.
“This ‘status’ enables complete, stealthy and continuous surveillance of all forms of movement, communication and interactions of the person of concern (or of interest).
“It is done, so nobly under the guise of ‘national security’ or ‘political stability’, when in reality, it is often wielded as a political tool and an easy information gathering method on political adversaries, in an attempt to control and pressure certain voices,” he said.
He alleged that this has been in place since the last quarter of 2024, and at least one other prominent opposition figure is also under TCO surveillance.
In addition, he claimed his phone had been tapped.
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