PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested former director-general Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid to help in the probe in the latest case of misappropriation of election funds.

The senior public officer was arrested when she was called to the MACC headquarters here Tuesday (Aug 28) evening.

She is expected to be remanded later at the Putrajaya magistrate's court.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest but did not share any details.

"Yes, we are detaining her for questioning," he said when contacted.

Previously, Hasanah, the former head of the Malaysian spy agency, had written to CIA director Gina Haspel, appealing to the United States to support Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's administration.

Several screenshots of the letter were leaked, which went viral.

Hasanah's lawyer Datuk Shaharudin Ali later said that the letter was legal and falls under the Official Secrets Act.