The Youth and Sports Ministry official on suspicion of masterminding a syndicate to misappropriate government funds has been transferred out of the ministry, said its minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

"This measure was taken after I was informed by the Chief Secretary to the Government (Tan Sri Ali Hamsa) yesterday that the ministry can apply to have the officer transferred elsewhere even though the investigation is ongoing.

He said the ministry had also applied to the Public Service Department to suspend the officer as provided for under regulation 43 of the Public Officers Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) 1993.

"As of today, he has not been suspended as we have not received any reply on the application," Khairy, who is also UMNO Youth chief, told reporters after chairing the wing executive council meeting here today.

Last Friday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission arrested an officer of the ministry on suspicion of having been behind a syndicate responsible for misappropriation of government funds totalling RM107 million.

Khairy also pledged to ensure that investigations were conducted in a comprehensive manner so that the guilty parties would be brought to justice.

"We will take proactive measures to correct the situation so that what has happened will never happen again in future.

"The ministry will also take the initiative to review and improve on all shortcomings found in management aspects in particular procedures involving the finance and purchasing divisions," he said.

He said the result of the investigations conducted by the MACC and an independent investigation team was expected to be known by next month.