PETALING JAYA, Aug 23 — Former deputy director of the Special Branch (SB) Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador claimed today that there were “invisible powers” behind his sudden transfer out of the police intelligence unit, and that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had personally informed him of the decision.

Hamid also urged the public to not blame Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar for his abrupt transfer to the Prime Minister’s Department, saying that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) was merely carrying out his duties when he signed the transfer papers.

“Three, four months ago we received information that there were people who did not like the current leadership (in SB). I do not know why I am being made a scapegoat when I have not done anything to place myself as the next Special Branch director,” he told a news conference here.

“There are invisible powers who did not want me there...that is fine because I do not want to be a part of an institution that will be used according to the whims of these invisible powers,” Hamid added.

The ex-Special Branch officer said that Zahid had personally informed him of the planned transfer at a meeting in the DPM’s office two weeks before the transfer order on August 17.

“The first thing Zahid said was that he had met the prime minister, and as a result I was given two choices —  I was either to be transferred to the National Security Council, or the Prime Minister’s Department.

“I was shocked. I asked the DPM whether he was aware of the reason why they (invisible powers) did not want me to remain in the Special Branch… he just looked at the floor, nodded and told me to not talk about it,” Hamid said.

“You put a knife to my throat. MKN (NSC) or JPM?” he said, referring to his meeting with Zahid.

Hamid stressed that IGP Khalid had always been professional in carrying out his duties, and that he had nothing to do with his sudden transfer.

“He (Khalid) is a reasonable man. Don’t blame him for my transfer, he just signed it. There are invisible powers who want me out,” Hamid said.

Hamid also said he has yet to decide on whether he will take up his position at the new Security and Transnational division at the Prime Minister’s Department, and that he has until September 17 to make up his mind.