KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 — Putrajaya should not have transferred two Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officials in the middle of an investigation, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said yesterday.

In a report carried by the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club website, the Umno Youth chief said it was unfair to move the duo abruptly to the Prime Minister’s Department simply for doing their jobs.

“I view the transfer of the officers as most strange and very disappointing. Let the MACC do its work without restrictions of interference from anyone,” Khairy was quoted as saying in the report.

“I hope the matter will be addressed quickly. In fact, I am made to understand that one MACC officer was transferred simply for the offence of receiving a visit by opposition lawmakers,” he added.

Yesterday, a source confirmed with Malay Mail Online that MACC special operations division director Datuk Bahri Mohamad Zin and strategic communications director Datuk Rohaizad Yaakob have been transferred to the Prime Minister’s Department due to “disciplinary issues”.

The transfers were effective immediately, but the official reasons for the transfers have yet to be stated.

Earlier this week, Bahri lashed out at the apparent crackdown on MACC amid its ongoing probe on a state-owned firm, raising the suspicion of “hidden hands” behind the order to arrest and question his men.

The police have since denied the allegation.

During a visit to MACC’s office by several opposition lawmakers on Thursday, Rohaizad said the agency was “grateful for the support shown” by the leaders and vowed to “continue to do our best work”.