Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaks during a press conference in Putrajaya May 23, 2018. — Picture by Abdul Razak Ghazali

PUTRAJAYA, May 23 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he would review the covert Malaysia External Intelligence Organisation that had been parked as a research division under the previous prime minister’s direct control.

The prime minister said such a unit had not existed during his previous 22 years in government, but added that he had not been briefed on its operation and indicated it may not be continued.

“I have to review. I haven't been fully briefed... I know their activity is not good for the government, we don't want to be spying on the people.

“We don't need them, including their intelligence. I think we are quite intelligent now,” he said.

On Monday, the existence of the intelligence agency came to light following reports that the head of the agency was probed by the authorities over links with former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

It was reported that Najib had given her important documents two days before the general elections.

Unnamed sources revealed that the intelligence unit had operated as a spy agency, backed by 300 personnel and generous funding.

It was claimed that among its tasks was keeping track of government critics in the country and abroad.