The transfer of Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Zulkifli Abdullah to the National Anti-Drugs Agency as its new director-general is a normal practice, said inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

Fuzi said there are times when senior police officials have to accept the government’s orders to transfer to other agencies.

"This is not the first time such a transfer has happened. My ex-boss (former Criminal Investigations Department director) Zaman Khan was transferred to the Prison Department (as the director-general).

"The late ex-IGP Bakri Omar has had a stint at AADK (the National Anti-Drugs Agency) too. There are times when the government orders (a transfer), we have to obey," Fuzi said in a press conference after launching the crime prevention patrol operations at the KLCC Esplanade, today.

When asked by a reporter whether Zulkifli had taken advantage of his position as the federal police's Management Department director to secure certain projects, Fuzi refused to comment.

"That one I have no comment," said Fuzi.

Previously, Malay Mail had reported that the new appointment was done on Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's direct orders.

Zulkifli had said he was surprised by his transfer but considered it an honour to lead the agency.