Malaysia refutes claims involved in lobbying Trump administration

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government today clarified that it has no relations with any quarters claiming to have been hired to lobby the Trump administration on its behalf, as was reported by the media.
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Sariffudin Tengku Ahmad in a statement here said neither the Prime Minister's Office nor the Government of Malaysia had instructed, appointed or contracted in any form with the alleged quarters namely Godfrey Group Ltd, the 45 Group or Healy Baumgardner-Nardone.
According to a report by a Malaysian news portal, the Malaysian government allegedly had hired an American firm, called the 45 Group to lobby on its behalf.
The news portal which quoted a report in the Daily Beast, a New York-based news website ,claimed that the firm had received a cheque for US$250,000 (RM1.07 million) on May 9 from a Malaysian company called the Godfrey Group Ltd as reported by the United States' Department of Justice.
The firm is headed by Healy Baumgardner-Nardone who used to work for the election campaign of now United States President Donald Trump. Although she quit the campaign towards the end, she reportedly maintains close ties to Trump's inner circle, according to the news portal.
Tengku Sariffudin said Malaysia always welcomed friends from around the world who rightly pointed out that Malaysia has a successful business-friendly economy and is open to trade and investment.
"Malaysia is a moderate Muslim-majority country in which, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's leadership, is a firm partner in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism," he added.
— Bernama