PUTRAJAYA: Former prime minister’s senior political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin is among three individuals detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as investigations intensify into allegations that businessman Albert Tei paid bribes to recover funds reportedly distributed to several Sabah assemblymen.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the other two individuals detained were Tei and Sofia Rini Buyong.
“The case carries significant public interest, prompting the agency to expedite investigations to prevent speculation or manipulation by any party,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Azam said Sofia Rini was detained at 10.30pm on Thursday when she arrived at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with the probe.
She was brought before the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted a four-day remand until Dec 1.
Businessman Tei, whose full name is Tei Jiann Cheing, was initially scheduled to appear before investigators on Dec 1.
“However, he was instructed to present himself earlier, but he declined and did not cooperate,” Azam said, adding that Tei was arrested at 10.15am yesterday.
Azam described Tei as a key figure in the investigation and confirmed that he had been 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.
Shamsul Iskandar was also detained at the MACC office at 12.51pm after arriving at 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 (today) morning,” Azam added.
He emphasised that the investigation will be conducted professionally and fairly in accordance with the law.
“Individuals who wish to challenge the arrests have the right to do so in court.
“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, Tei’s lawyer, Zaid Malek, said his client was detained by MACC officers at his home in Puchong.
He alleged that officers forced their way into the residence, handcuffed Tei and denied him access to legal counsel despite Zaid identifying himself.
“No officers identified themselves. Their failure to do so was high-handed and unlawful,” Zaid said in a statement.
He added that officers only spoke to him after he photographed the incident and that they “illegally” demanded access to his phone to view the images.
According to Zaid, Tei was escorted out of the house in handcuffs, surrounded by armed personnel wearing balaclavas.
Zaid described the event as a breach of Tei’s constitutional rights, alleging 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.
