MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the DPP was seconded to the agency by the AGC last week, and that it did not have the authority to suspend him.

“That is for the attorney-general (to decide), but we will discuss the matter. Normally in cases like this, I will propose that the officer be put on leave.

“I will personally propose to the attorney-general that this officer be relieved of his duties for now so that he does not handle any prosecutions in court while his case is ongoing,” he told reporters today.

Azam said the DPP’s arrest over an alleged drug offence was “unexpected” but that he trusted the cops to conduct a thorough probe of the case.

Asked if background checks were conducted before the officer joined MACC, Azam said it was not under the agency’s jurisdiction.

“He was already serving with the AGC, which I believe would have conducted all the screening processes.”

This morning, MACC confirmed the arrest of the DPP, who had reported for duty at the agency just last week.

He was arrested by police at his home yesterday, while a search at the scene uncovered substances believed to be drugs.

He has been remanded for three days until tomorrow.