Malaysia's FM summons senior Singaporean diplomat over spying claims

Malaysia's foreign ministry summoned a senior Singaporean diplomat Tuesday over spying claims. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said in a statement that his ministry was seeking clarification from Singapore's high commissioner, or ambassador, to Malaysia. 'If those allegations are eventually proven, it is certainly a serious matter that the government of Malaysia strongly rejects and abhors,' Anifah said adding that spying against a good friend and neighbor was unacceptable. Singapore's government has not publicly responded to the allegations, which were published Monday in Australia's Sydney Morning Herald and cite documents from National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden. Anifah's ministry earlier this month protested to U.S. and Australian embassy officials over accusations that their diplomatic missions house surveillance equipment used to collect electronic communications. These allegations were to the effect that the city-state has helped the United States and Australia tap telecommunications links in Asia for espionage.