In this first of a two-part exclusive interview, ACA whistleblower Mohamad Ramli Abdul Manan tells malaysiakini about the embarrassment and humiliation he felt after he was put in 'cold storage'.

Malaysiakini: How did you feel when your report became major news. Suddenly you're in the limelight. Did you expect that?

Ramli: I don't expect anything. I want to lead a quiet life. I didn't ask for this. We, ACA officers, do not need to be seen. We should be heard.

You claimed that you were placed in cold storage. How long was this for?

Six years. In 2001, when I felt that my services were no longer required, I submitted an application to transfer service. At that time, I was under contract until July 2003. So I forwarded my application to become a lecturer in UiTM (Universiti Teknologi Mara) and as a legal officer with the judicial service.