Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission detains three individuals, including a former minister, in connection with alleged bribery involving Sabah assemblymen funds.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has detained former minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin and businessman Albert Tei in connection with a corruption investigation.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the detentions relate to allegations that Tei paid bribes to Shamsul Iskandar to recover funds reportedly distributed to Sabah assemblymen.
Shamsul Iskandar was detained at MACC headquarters at 12.51 pm after arriving to have his statement recorded.
Albert Tei, whose full name is Tei Jiann Cheing, was detained at his Puchong house at 10.15 am after declining to cooperate with the investigation.
Azam said Tei was initially scheduled to give his statement on December 1 but refused to come earlier when requested by investigators.
The MACC also served a notice under Section 28A(9) of the Criminal Procedure Code on Albert Tei, allowing investigators to withhold access to legal counsel.
Investigators expect to apply for remand orders for both Tei and Shamsul Iskandar at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
A third individual, Sofia Rini Buyong, was detained at 10.30 pm yesterday when she arrived at MACC headquarters to assist with the investigation.
Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted a four-day remand order for Sofia Rini until Monday.
Azam emphasised that the case is of public importance and the MACC has carried out its probe swiftly to prevent manipulation by certain parties.
He instructed investigators to complete the probe within a week for submission to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“I urge all parties to be patient and not make any speculation,” Azam said.
