[4] As Malaysia's national security covert intelligence agency, MEIO is estimated to have between 300 and 1000 agents, officers, and operatives around the world, with approximately half stationed abroad.

[1][5] In its operations, MEIO works with several other Malaysian government departments and agencies including the Special Branch, Malaysia Defence Intelligence Organisation, and National Security Council.

[11] In response, the Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng called for an investigation into allegations that the Research Division had written to the CIA, describing the letter as an attempt to solicit foreign intervention.

[15][16] On 6 August 2018, Ab Jalil Backer, the leader of a group called Angkatan Karyawan Nasionalis, claimed that the CIA had leaked MEIO's letter and also alleged that the US spy agency had been colluding with Pakatan Harapan.

[17] In May 2018, amid changes in the government under the Seventh Mahathir cabinet, discussions arose regarding the potential abolition of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO), as reported by a news article.

The research division, which functioned as a front for an intelligence agency under the previous Barisan Nasional government, will not be disbanded but given new direction under a new chief, as stated by high-placed sources.