Clearing the air: Shamsul Iskandar speaking to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who claimed trial at the Sessions Court to four counts of graft linked to the Sabah mineral exploration mining licensing, vows to clear his name in court.
“I will prove my innocence through the proper legal process,” he told reporters after he posted bail.
Earlier, the former senior political secretary to the Prime Minister and the businessman who allegedly bribed him, Albert Tei, were swarmed by a group of journalists as they arrived at the court complex to face their charges.
Shamsul Iskandar, 51, was charged with two counts of receiving a total RM140,000 in cash, and another two counts of receiving furniture and electrical goods worth RM36,829.03 from Tei, whose full name is Tei Jiann Cheing, on four separate occasions.
The bribe was allegedly an inducement for Shamsul Iskandar to help Tei’s companies that have interest in mineral exploration obtain mining licence approval in Sabah.
The offences allegedly took place at a hotel parking lot in Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, a house at Jalan Medang Serai, and a house in Presint 14, Putrajaya between Nov 24, 2023, and March 5, 2024.
Under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) 2009, Shamsul Iskandar faces up to 20 years prison time, a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if he is convicted.
He pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin here yesterday.
“I plead not guilty. I claim trial,” he said calmly.
Deputy public prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan said the offences Shamsul Iskandar was accused of are non-bailable offences.
She suggested a RM300,000 bail if the court exercises its discretion to grant bail and asked the court to consider Shamsul Iskandar’s previous position in government and his network.
“If the court allows bail, I seek additional conditions; two bailors, passport must be surrendered and monthly attendance reporting at the MACC headquarters and that he must not disturb witnesses in the case,” she added.
Shamsul Iskandar’s lawyer Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad said the amount was exorbitant and that Shamsul Iskandar had immediately made a police report after the allegations first arose on social media.
“That’s a clear denial. He denies receiving any gratification.”
Co-counsel Yusmadi Yusoff said Shamsul Iskandar has three children with the eldest in college.
“His wife is a civil servant, a doctor, while he is currently not working.
“I am afraid an amount that is too high will be a burden for them,” Yusmadi said.
The judge then fixed bail at RM150,000 in two sureties.
She also ordered for Shamsul Iskandar to surrender his passport to the court, report his attendance to the MACC on a monthly basis and to stay away from witnesses in the case.
At the same court, Tei, who allegedly gave Shamsul Iskandar the bribes and exposed the misconduct, faced his own charges.
The 37-year-old was accused of giving the said gratification to Shamsul Iskandar at the same place and time, and for the same purpose.
He was charged under Section 17(b) of the MACC Act, and faces up to 20 years prison time, a fine of no less than five times the amount of gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if he is convicted.
“Understood. I plead not guilty,” Tei said when asked to enter his plea.
DPP Farah Ezlin also proposed a RM300,000 bail in two sureties and conditions similar to Shamsul Iskandar.
She said Tei was “uncooperative” during the investigation and posed a flight risk as he has businesses in Singapore.
Tei’s lawyer Latheefa Koya denied that he was uncooperative.
Judge Suzana allowed bail at RM70,000 in two sureties. She also imposed all the additional conditions sought by the prosecution.
The cases were fixed for mention on Jan 8. Tei posted bail.
Both men are expected to face similar charges at the Shah Alam Sessions Court today.
