PUTRAJAYA - The police will investigate a claim by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner that he was threatened with death while probing the 1Malaysian Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said at a press conference on Tuesday (May 22) that he was not aware that the police had been ordered to tail the commissioner, Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull, while he was carrying out his investigation work in the United States.

The anti-graft chief, who was recently reinstated at the agency, had alleged that former Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had given those instructions.

Mr Shukri spoke emotionally at a press conference on Tuesday about having received a bullet at his home and being threatened with dismissal, among other things, while he was looking into possible misappropriation of money at state fund, 1MDB.

He had been getting ready to indict former premier Najib Razak, who has been accused of receiving RM42 million (S$14.1 million) into his personal accounts from SRC International, a former 1MDB subsidiary. Mr Najib has denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Shukri also spoke about how he and former MACC boss Abu Kassim Mohamed had urged federal ministers to replace Mr Najib after pursuing the probe against the former premier.

He said only three spoke up - Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Shafie Apfdal and Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

When asked by reporters later, former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi denied having been approached by Mr Shukri.

"It is outside of my knowledge. No (meeting)," said the Umno acting president.