IGP: Nothing unusual in transfer of Special Branch No 2

Bukit Aman has hit back at "sensational journalism" after several portals reported of the "sudden transfer" of a top Special Branch officer to Putrajaya.

The reports suggested that SB deputy director Deputy Comm Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador was suddenly transferred out to the Prime Minister's Department after not agreeing to go on a long leave.

It was also reported that Hamid handed over his duties at a closed-door ceremony on Thursday.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar clarified in a statement on Thursday that the reports had caused “speculation and perceptions.”

“DCP Abdul Hamid was never ordered to go on leave. His leave was upon his own request to rest. He was informed of the transfer after he rescinded on his request to retire early,” Khalid said.

Khalid said Abdul Hamid’s transfer to the PM’s Department was a “validation” of his experience and capabilities, as he would be overseeing security and transnational issues.

He said other top cops, including himself, had been transferred out of the force into other government agencies to fulfil roles that were needed at the time.

He shot down reports of the closed-door ceremony, saying that it was nothing out of the ordinary, further punctuating his statement by saying that the SB was never one to “look for publicity”.

“Allegations that the Special Branch is undergoing a 'cleansing' process to replace its top leaders with a new director and deputy director is pure accusation.

“I would like to advise the media to be careful in making any statements because inaccurate reports that were published will create implications that will jeopardise public peace.

“Even more dangerous when this news is done following the interpretations of the writers who do not understand the implications that will arise from playing with words to sensationalise their writings,” Khalid said.

DCP Abdul Hamid reportedly said he was clueless over his transfer, claiming he had been left in the dark over the order.

“They just told me to go to JPM, so I go to JPM lah. No reason given and I just received the letter yesterday… earlier today, there was a ceremony to hand over my duty,” he said.

It was reported that DCP Abdul Hamid was to report at the PM’s Department on Sept 2.

This comes after Comm Datuk Seri Mohamad Fuzi Harun took over the helm of Bukit Aman’s spy division from Deputy Comm Datuk Seri Akhil Bulat who retired in July.