KOTA KINABALU: Businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing did not tell immigration officers he was entering Sabah to attend a court hearing when he was stopped at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Thursday (Oct 23), say the Sabah Immigration Department.
The department’s director, Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof, also denied any political interference in the decision to refuse Tei entry, saying the move was made in accordance with laws and procedures.
“The department’s checks found that the individual’s record remains active under a Notice of Restriction Order (NAS) issued by the state authorities, which only permits entry for the purpose of attending court proceedings,” she said in a statement Friday (Oct 24).
During the inspection, Tei — also known as Albert Tei — told officers he was visiting Sabah to meet friends and did not provide any documents to show his entry was related to a court case.
“Since he failed to produce any supporting document or court summons, a Notice of Refusal of Entry (NPM) was issued in accordance with the Immigration Act 1959/63,” she said.
Sitti Saleha said the same individual had previously been allowed entry in September this year after presenting a court summons at the airport, showing that he was aware of the procedure tied to his restriction order.
“Therefore, the claim made by his lawyer at the Kota Kinabalu Court on Oct 24, alleging that his client was prevented from attending court proceedings, is inaccurate and does not reflect the actual situation,” she added.
Sitti Saleha emphasised that the officer’s decision on Oct 23 was made in line with standard operating procedures and was not influenced by any external party.
“The department ensures that every decision is made in accordance with the law, relevant documents and information presented during inspection,” she said.
Tei, who faces two corruption charges linked to mineral prospecting licences, has filed an application to cite caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for contempt of court, alleging that the state’s immigration powers were used to bar his entry and prevent him from attending proceedings.
He claimed he was denied entry on Sept 22 and Oct 23, allegedly under orders from the Chief Minister’s Office, and argued that the directive breached his constitutional rights under Articles 5 and 8 of the Federal Constitution.
Sessions Court judge Jason Juga fixed Nov 24 for the hearing of the contempt application and Nov 28 for the next pre-trial case management.
Tei is accused of offering bribes of RM150,000 and RM200,000 to Tanjung Batu assemblyman Datuk Andi Suryady Bandy and Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, respectively.
The two assemblymen were also charged with receiving bribes.
