Malaysian PM’s former aide, whistleblower nabbed by anti-corruption agency

PUTRAJAYA/KUALA LUMPUR – The former senior political secretary of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, is among three individuals nabbed by graft busters as investigations intensify into allegations that businessman Albert Tei paid bribes to recover funds said to have been distributed to several Sabah assemblymen.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Azam Baki said two others detained were Tei and Sofia Rini Buyong – the woman implicated in a video clip of a conversation with Tei on social media.

The video dated Nov 21 purportedly showed Sofia Rini as Shamsul Iskandar’s “proxy” telling Tei that the idea to covertly record dealings involving Sabah politicians, who were exposed on hidden camera allegedly discussing bribes, originated from the Prime Minister’s Office and had Mr Anwar’s explicit blessing.

“The case carries significant public interest, prompting the agency to expedite its investigations to prevent speculation or manipulation by any party,” Tan Sri Azam said in a statement on Nov 28.

He also confirmed Sofia Rini was detained at 10.30pm on Nov 27 when she arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with the investigation.

“She was brought before the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court on Nov 28 where Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted a four-day remand order until Dec 1,” he added.

Mr Azam said businessman Tei, whose full name is Tei Jiann Cheing, was initially expected to appear before investigators on Dec 1.

“However, he was instructed to present himself earlier but declined to do so and did not cooperate with investigators.

“He was subsequently arrested at 10.15am on Nov 28 at his residence,” he said.

Mr Azam described Tei as a key individual in the investigation. He confirmed that Tei was served with a notice under Section 28A(9) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which allows investigators to withhold access to legal counsel or third parties under specific circumstances during the probe.

On Shamsul Iskandar, Mr Azam said he was also detained at the MACC office at 12.51pm after arriving around noon to provide his statement.

“We expect to apply for remand for both Tei and Shamsul Iskandar at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court on the morning of Nov 29,” he said.

Mr Azam emphasised that the investigation will be carried out professionally and fairly in accordance with the law.

“Individuals who wish to challenge the arrests have the right to do so in court,” he added.

Mr Azam said that investigating officers have been instructed to complete the probe within a week for submission to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action.

“We urge the public to refrain from speculation while the investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Earlier on Nov 28, Tei’s lawyer Zaid Malek said he arrived at his client’s residence to find officers forcing their way into the home before arresting and handcuffing Tei.

In a statement, Mr Zaid said: “I was denied entry and prevented from meeting my client despite identifying myself as counsel.

“No officers had identified themselves. Their failure to do so was high-handed and unlawful.”

He alleged that officers only spoke to him after he took photographs of the incident, and that they “illegally” demanded access to his phone to view the images.

According to Mr Zaid, Tei was later escorted out of the house in handcuffs and surrounded by armed personnel wearing balaclavas.

He said: “It was as if they were arresting a terrorist. I do not even know for sure if they are police or MACC officers.”

Mr Zaid described the events as a breach of Tei’s constitutional rights, claiming that due process had been ignored and his client’s right to legal counsel denied.

He also questioned why action was being taken against a whistleblower rather than the individual Tei had reportedly provided information about – Mr Shamsul Iskandar. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK