Transfer of MACC officers to PM dept cancelled

PUTRAJAYA: The abrupt transfer of two senior Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers to the Prime Minister's Department last Friday has been cancelled.
Chief Secretary to the government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said yesterday he had cancelled the transfers and reinstated them to their original positions at MACC.
In a statement today, Ali Hamsa said he had met the two officers who were ordered to be transfered, MACC Special Operations Division director Datuk Bahri Mohd Zin and Strategic Communications director Datuk Rohaizad Yaakob.
"Both officers explained why they had given statements to the media. Based on the explanations, I have decided to cancel the transfer of both officers to the PM's Department and reinstate them to their original positions from (today)," he added.
Reporters were waiting outside the PM's Department building here since 7am, for both Bahri and Rohaizad to clock-in, but both of them did not show up.
In an immediate reaction, MACC Deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Mustafar Ali said, the commission welcomed Ali's announcement, adding that it was 'a good and fair decision'.
"MACC will continue to carry out its duties and responsibilities freely, transparently and professionally as stated in the MACC Act 2009 and its aspirations," he said in a short statement.
Last Monday, Bahri was questioned by police officers from Bukit Aman at the MACC headquarters for about three hours in connection with leaked information from the special task force probing the deposit of RM2.6 billion into Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank account.
He was among several MACC officers being questioned by the police over the leaked information - which led to it being posted on social media and whistle-blower website Sarawak Report.
A vexed Bahri had later vowed to pursue investigations, saying "By God, I will find the perpetrators till kingdom come."
Last Thursday, Rohaizad had greeted a group of Opposition leaders and elected representatives when they visited MACC headquarters to lend moral support for the work the commission is carrying out.
MACC had stressed that it is not involved in a conspiracy 'to topple the government' and is carrying out its investigations professionally and transparently with regards to funds transfered from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary under 1MDB.
Meanwhile, MACC's Consultation and Prevention Panel chairman Tan Sri Johan Jaafar welcomed the reinstatement of both Bahri and Rohaizad, and thanked Ali and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal in handling the matter.
He said the move came in time to deal with the perception that MACC officers were "intimidated" in their duties.
"This is a positive step in returning the rakyat's confidence in MACC, and the officers will continue to carry out their duties without restrictions," he said.
He expressed hope that not only will the move motivate the MACC officers further, but also remove doubt and cynicism among the people towards the government.