The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) welcomed the police statement to postpone the investigation into claims that its officers were involved in leaking information, which was published in the Sarawak Report portal.

MACC deputy chief commissioner, Datuk Mustafar Ali said he agreed with the decision byInspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar on Saturday to postpone the investigation in view of the various negative perceptions.

"The MACC understands the duties and responsibilities of the police, and they also understand the duties and responsibilities of the MACC.

"Looking at the situation now, the MACC urges all parties not to spread information that is not verified and negative assumptions which could confuse and even cause uneasiness to the people," he said in a statement on Sunday.

Mustafar also said that MACC chief commissioner, Tan Sri Abu KassimMohamed whowas recovering from an operation done in a hospital, on Aug 7, urged all MACC officers to carry out their duties in an independent, transparent and professional manner, in accordance with the aspirations of the commission.

He said Abu Kassim's operation had long been scheduled and was on the advice of a medical specialist.

Commenting on statements by certain parties that they would gather at MACC premises throughout the country to show support for the commission, Mustafar said: "The MACC requests their cooperation not to continue with such action."

He said such action could create an uneasy situation for the people who had dealings with government departments, as most of the MACC offices were located in federal government complexes or buildings.

"The MACC wishes to express gratitude and thanks to the government leaders, political parties, non-governmentalorganisationsand the public who have given the commission moral support either directly or indirectly," he said.