EXCLUSIVE | The Research Division, an intelligence unit under the Prime Minister's Department, has a new director-general.

Sources told Malaysiakini that the clandestine agency, dubbed the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation, received its new chief last month.

Ahmad Shublee Othman was picked by Putrajaya to fill the post left vacant after Hasanah Ab Hamid’s removal by the Pakatan Harapan administration.

According to sources, Shublee served as the deputy director-general of the National Security Council prior to the appointment.

It was also learned that Shublee used to serve under the Research Division, and possesses the requisite expertise and experience to lead the agency.

His name is also listed in the Prime Minister's Department's online directory with his new position.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Prime Minister's Office and Shublee for confirmation.

Prior to the 14th general election, the existence of the Research Division and its functions were little known to the public.

However, the agency was thrust into the limelight last month, after Hasanah’s official letter to then then-CIA director designate Gina Haspel was leaked.

The letter, dated May 4, had sought US support in the event of BN winning the general election with a narrow margin.

Hasanah had since lodged a police report over the leak.

During the early days of the Harapan administration, it was also purported that the Research Division was among several government bodies being reviewed for possible dissolution.