Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Paul Low said he will find out the reason for the sudden transfer of two Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers.

"I don't know the reason. I am going to find out the reason (for the transfer)," he told Malaysiakini .

"I cannot contact anyone (to verify the transfer reason) tonight. I need to know the reason before I comment," he said.

However, Low opined that the government may have its reason to transfer both special operations director Bahri Mohd Zain and strategic communications director Rohaizad Yaakob to the Prime Minister's Department.

Low is the minister overseeing integrity and governance in Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s cabinet.

He was reluctant to comment on the claim by a source that the two were transferred over "disciplinary issues".

Low also refused to respond about the opposition who criticised the shocking transfer as a move aimed at intimidating the anti-graft agency.

"I don't know about their politics," he said.

Arrests have repercussions

When asked if he is going to ask the prime minister to find out, he snapped," Don't worry about what I am going to ask. Don't spin me. I know you want me to answer so you can spin me," he said.

A total of seven MACC-linked individuals - including officers, an advisor, and a deputy public prosecutor - are being probed for leaking information, with three of them detained.

 

It was reported Low has claimed the arrest of MACC officials by police could have repercussions.

On July 3, The Wall Street Journal and Sarawak Report had published a news report stating RM2.6 billion, and RM42 million related to SRC International Sdn Bhd, went into Najib's private accounts.

A multi-agency task force - comprising the police, MACC, and Bank Negara, and headed by then attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail - was set up to probe into the allegations.

However, the MACC announced on Wednesday that new Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali ordered that there is no need for the special task force.

The commission also revealed that the RM2.6 billion was a "donation" from an unidentified Middle Eastern source.