Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Paul Low has defended the promotion of a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officer involved in the Teoh Beng Hock case.

Low said that Mohd Anuar Ismail had served for more than 10 years and had gone through rigorous processes, including competency tests to earn the promotion.

Further, he said, police investigations and an internal MACC probe found no element of criminal culpability.

"He was not convicted of any crime," he said in a statement today.

"As such, he should be duly considered for promotion like any other officer on the principle of innocent until proven guilty."

Low added that if Anuar is found guilty of any crime, he will be stripped of his promotion and other perks which come with it.

The minister also said the promotion is done according to the Public Service Department's (PSD) regulations and procedures.

Low responded to a media report which stated that certain quarters were questioning the promotion given to Anuar.

As the investigation on the case was still ongoing following the decision of the Court of Appeal on Sept 5 ruling that 'a person or persons were responsible for Teoh's death', Low said it was hoped that all quarters would give their cooperation to the police.

Anuar, who was at Grade 44 in 2009 when Teoh was found dead at the MACC office, is now at Grade 48.

Two other MACC officers involved in the probe, Hishammuddin Hashim and Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus, remain at the same ranks  - Grade 54 and Grade 29 - respectively.

Hishammuddin and Ashraf were singled out by a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into Teoh's death for their role in interrogating the political aide, labelling them "arrogant leader" and "abuser" respectively.

A third officer, Arman Alies was also labelled as a "bully" by the commission of inquiry.

Previous reports:

Court overturns open verdict on Beng Hock

Key section of RCI report: Findings on Teoh's death

RCI: Teoh Beng Hock committed suicide

What four gruelling interrogations did to Teoh

'Fourth interrogation' broke Teoh, postulates RCI

Chronology of events leading to Teoh RCI