Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) consultation and corruption prevention panel (PPR) chief Johan Jaaffar has quit as chairperson of Media Prima.

This was announced by Media Prima in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today.

His resignation is effective Aug 31.

Johan, in a statement, said he did not step down due to pressure.

"I would like to make it clear that I am not in any manner under any pressure to leave," he said.

Johan said he had served 2,316 days in office and when his contract expires on Aug 31, he would have become the longest serving Media Prima chairperson.

Johan said he will continue to speak up in his role as an MACC advisor.

"I am fully aware that as chairperson of the PPPR, one of the independent external oversight panels monitoring the MACC, I have been vocal in articulating the panel’s position on various issues, most notably the case against the perceived harassment of MACC and its officers and the circumstances surrounding the transfer of two senior MACC officers to Putrajaya.

"I remain the chairperson of PPPR and will continue to speak on its behalf justly and without fear and favour," he said.

Demanded reinstatement

Prior to his resignation, there had already been speculation that Johan would be removed as Media Prima chairperson for his vocal defence of the MACC.

Johan ( photo ) had spoken up for the graft buster as it came under pressure for investigating the SRC International and the RM2.6 billion deposited into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank accounts.

At that time, he denied the rumours.

"I have been the chairperson of PPPR of MACC for the last four years and I have been making all kinds of statements in that capacity.

"(It was) never an issue. We are an independent panel and we act independently," he had told Malaysiakini .

MACC investigators on the case had been arrested by police and their homes and offices raided.

Its lead investigator as well as another officer were also abruptly transferred to the Prime Minister's Department.

Following this, Johan in a statement last Saturday, demanded the reinstatement of the MACC officers.

At least two government ministers have also criticised the transfers which appeared to be an attempt to scuttle the investigation.

The transfers were subsequently aborted following a public outcry.