(UTV | COLOMBO) – An Australian lawmaker is to be suspended from his party following reports his office is facing investigation by national security agencies over alleged links to China.
Authorities raided the home and office of Shaoquett Moselmane, a New South Wales state politician, on Friday.
Police and intelligence agencies said it involved an “ongoing investigation”, but did not give further details.
Mr Moselmane, from the opposition Labor Party, is yet to comment publicly.
His leader, Jodi McKay, said media reports that the raids involved possible allegations of Chinese government interference within Mr Moselmane’s office were “dreadfully concerning”.
“This investigation needs to run its course. He will not sit in our caucus,” she told reporters on Friday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he could not go into the details of the investigation but it had been “going on for some time”.
“The government is absolutely determined to ensure that nobody interferes with Australia’s activities,” he said.
“We will stand up to it. And we will take action, as what you’ve seen today demonstrates.” (BBC)