Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has denied that the transfer of special branch deputy director Abdul Hamid Bador to the Prime Minister's Department was part of a cleansing process.

In a media statement today, he said the transfer was normal and allegations to the contrary were slanderous.

Khalid also claimed Abdul Hamid was aware of the transfer, which was offered to him after the latter withdrew his intention to retire early.

"Abdul Hamid was never directed to take leave as it was his own application, for the purpose of him to take a rest," he said in relation to certain media reports which made the claim.

"The transfer is a recognition of his ability and experience to handle issues related to security.

"His transfer is not out of the ordinary as prior to this, former IGP Bakri Omar, and other senior officers like Zaman Khan and Zulkifli Md Noor and myself, were transferred to other agencies," he added.

Yesterday, Abdul Hamid, who was in charge of security and transnational issues, expressed anger over the transfer and claimed to be in the dark about the reason.

The ceremony to mark his transfer was conducted behind closed doors yesterday.

'Cleansing' denied

Khalid said this too was nothing unusual, particularly for the Special Branch which wanted to keep a low profile.

"It is not out of the ordinary and is a practice in the Royal Malaysian Police, more so for the Special Branch which has never sought publicity," he said.

Abdul Hamid's transfer comes less than a month after the appointment of Mohamad Fuzi Harun ( photo ) as the new Special Branch chief, which was on the same day as the cabinet reshuffle and Abdul Gani Patail being replaced from the attorney-general post.

Khalid also denied that Fuzi's appointment was part of an alleged 'cleansing' process.

"Mohamad Fuzi is a former Special Branch officer who is very experienced and was appointed to replace Akhil Bulat who retired after his service contract was extended a number of times," he said.

Khalid also warned the media to be careful in its reporting which may affect public order.