Embattled NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane has denied he is the suspect of an Australian Federal Police and ASIO investigation into foreign interference which culminated in searches at his south Sydney home and parliamentary office.
Mr Moselmane called an impromptu press conference on Monday to suggest the authorities' investigation related to other individuals who may have sought to advance the goals of the Chinese government, but did not extend to him.
Mr Moselmane was last week suspended from NSW Labor and will no longer sit in the parliamentary caucus after Friday's raid on his Rockdale home.
"The federal agents have a job to do and it is imperative that they do their job without state and federal political interference. I am under no illusion that this is a serious investigation, the first of its kind, precedents will be set," Mr Moselmane told reporters.
"Sadly the political lynching has already commenced."
Mr Moselmane stood down as assistant president of the NSW upper house in April after praising Chinese President Xi's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying Mr Xi had demonstrated "unswerving leadership" and decisiveness.
But on Monday he stood by those views, saying they had been formerly promulgated by the likes of US President Donald Trump and the World Health Organisation.
Federal agents enter the home of NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane in Rockdale, Sydney. Source: AAP
He emphasised his pro-Beijing views were sincerely held.
Mr Moselmane, who has been in NSW parliament since 2009 and was formerly Rockdale mayor, is reported to have made repeated trips to China, where he has met with Chinese Communist Party members. He said on Monday that he did so for reasons of charity.
