Former Special Branch deputy director Hamid Bador today advised MACC officers to stand their ground and defend the agency's integrity.

His call comes as pressure mounts for action to be taken against MACC special operations director Bahri Mohd Zain for saying the MACC will appeal attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali’s decision to close the cases involving Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

“To all MACC officers, I urge you to not fear any threat by anyone. Defend the sanctity of your role and fulfil your agency’s obligations,” Hamid said in a statement.

“Just carry on with your tasks without fear of favour. The people know how to judge right from wrong. Keep it up, don’t give up.” he said.

Hamid was last year suddenly transferred to the Prime Minister’s Department within days of former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail’s contract being terminated.

The MACC has currently referred the two corruption cases involving Najib to its operations review panel.

Sources had earlier told Malaysiakini that the anti-graft body had recommended three charges against Najib who was probed for the RM2.6 billion donation and RM42 million from state-owned firm SRC International found in his personal bank accounts.

Bahri’s statement on 'appealing' the AG’s decision prompted flak from pro-Umno blogs including attacks against his family members.

On Sunday, the MACC confirmed a leaked internal memo from chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed who said he would resign rather than attack his own officers.

Hamid said those who were attacking the MACC were trying to curry favour and the rakyat could see how the MACC was trying its best to 'uncover the wrongdoing of national leaders'.