US Embassy denies attempt to influence Malaysia’s political leadership

The United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has firmly denied any involvement in attempting to influence Malaysia's political leadership. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim David H Gamble Jr categorically stated that the U.S. has never sought to determine Malaysia's political leadership and dismissed any reports to the contrary as false.

This denial came in response to allegations made by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang. Hadi claimed that a U.S. Embassy representative had inquired about the party's proposed candidate for prime minister during a meeting at the embassy. Moreover, Hadi asserted that two senior PAS leaders, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Datuk Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, had been briefed on the potential removal of the Malaysian government and takeover of the administration, with the U.S. allegedly prepared to offer assistance.

However, these allegations have not been independently verified. The U.S. Embassy emphasized that its diplomatic engagement with Malaysia is solely aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations. This statement was made on September 6, 2026.