Malaysian PM urges greater protection against spying

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Monday that greater protections on individual privacy and sovereignty are needed in facing increased intelligence gathering via communication technology. Speaking at the Umno International Forum hosted by the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO), Najib said the conception of privacy had been redefined in the digital age. "As we have seen over the past six months, the globalization of communications has opened up new risks to individual privacy and state sovereignty," he said. "There has been an increased level of spying conducted by some of our allies." There have been tensions between Malaysia and the United States and Australia since media reports quoted U.S. intelligence whistle blower Edward Snowden as saying that the two countries were using diplomatic facilities in Kuala Lumpur to spy on Malaysia. Najib's government also summoned Singaporean high commissioner after reports revealed that Singapore was also involved in espionage activities against Malaysia. "As we work to combat terrorism and organized crime, we must guard against excess that compromises individual liberties -- and poisons public trust," Najib said.