A written reply in Parliament last November alludes that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission may have used spyware, PKR’s Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said.

The reply by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Paul Low noted that the anti-graft body had sought the services of Finance Ministry firm Miliserv Technologies.

Technology blogger Keith Rozario earlier alleged that the government purchased spyware from Italian IT firm The Hacking Team, through Miliserv.

In the written reply, Low said MACC requires new technology to do its job and get “the latest and suitable technical and operation equipments from any company, including Miliserv Technologies”.

Although Low did not state that it procured spyware from Miliseve, Sim said the ministery’ reply is “proof” of Rozario’s claim, and contradicts minister Azalina Othman’s earlier response.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina denied that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) uses spyware.

"With more proofs coming out to confirm allegations from Rozario, it is important for the PMO to seriously answer whether it has bought spyware from The Hacking Team.

"If so, does PMO have the authority or power (and under which laws) to use the spyware?" Sim asked.

Azalina also needs to answer allegations that Miliserv had "infected" political documents during the 13th general election, he said.

"Did a private company get involved in spying on Malaysian citizens during GE13? If it is true, is it a threat to parliamentary democracy? Has the authority launched any investigation?" Sim asked.