PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister's former senior political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin are 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 Tan Sri Azam Baki said two others detained were Tei and Sofia Rini Buyong.
"The case carries significant public interest, prompting the agency to expedite its investigations to prevent speculation or manipulation by any party," he said in a statement on Friday (Nov 28).
He also confirmed Sofia Rini was detained at 10.30pm on Thursday when she arrived at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with the investigation.
"She was brought before the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court on Friday where Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted a four-day remand order until Dec 1," he added.
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 Friday at his residence," he said.
Azam described Tei as a key individual in the investigation. He confirmed that he 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, 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 Saturday morning," he said.
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.
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.
