PUTRAJAYA, Nov 28 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, businessman Albert Tei, and Sofia Rini Buyong to assist in the investigations into allegations of corruption.
Its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said they were all detained to assist in the probe into allegations that Tei, whose full name is Tei Jiann Cheing, paid bribes to Shamsul Iskandar to recover funds said to have been distributed to Sabah state assemblymen.
"The MACC detained Shamsul Iskandar at its headquarters at 12.51pm to assist in this investigation. He had gone to the headquarters at about noon to have his statement recorded.
"Alberth Tei, who was initially expected to attend (to give his statement) on December 1, was informed to come earlier, but declined to do so and did not want to cooperate with MACC's investigation,” he said.
Azam added that Tei was detained at his house in Puchong at 10.15am today, as he is a key individual in the investigation.
The MACC also served him a notice under Section 28A(9) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which allows investigators to withhold access to legal counsel and any other parties.
He added that they expect to apply for remand for both Tei and Shamsul at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, Azam said that Sofia was detained at 10.30 m yesterday when she arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with the investigation.
Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted a four-day remand order for Sofia Rini until Monday (December 1).
He emphasised that the case is of public importance and that the MACC has conducted its probe swiftly to prevent it from being manipulated by certain parties.
The commission will investigate the case professionally and fairly in accordance with the law, and those who wish to challenge their arrests have the right to do so in court.
"I have instructed my investigators to complete the probe within a week for submission to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for a decision as fast as possible. As such, I urge all parties to be patient and not make any speculation,” Azam said.
