Azam Baki let off the hook.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has officially classified the police investigation into former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s alleged threats against businessman Tei Jiann Cheing—better known as Albert Tei—as “No Further Action” (NFA).
In a media statement issued on Wednesday (June 10), the AGC revealed that a comprehensive review of the investigation papers submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police found that the elements of criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the Penal Code could not be proven or established.
This decision follows an announcement by Bukit Aman on June 6, confirming that two investigation papers involving the former MACC chief had been referred to the AGC after police recorded statements from Azam, Tei, and a lawyer who allegedly conveyed the threats.
Tei immediately lambasted the AGC for its rapid clearance of Azam, accusing the institution of practising double standards.
The businessman compared the swift decision to an ongoing, unresolved investigation into an MACC raid on his residence in Puchong, Selangor, last November. Tei’s wife had lodged a police report over the incident, and the family submitted several subsequent reports, including one regarding the seizure of a CCTV decoder, which Tei claimed could prove the MACC used excessive force.
“Several months ago, I was informed by police that they have wrapped up the investigation and submitted the paper to the AGC,” Tei said in a statement. “My family and I have waited for seven months to get justice, but there has not been any update or decision from the AGC up to this day.”
“This is the kind of double-standard efficiency and treatment that the AGC is demonstrating to the public. This is the very reason why the people are increasingly losing confidence in our country’s legal institutions,” Tei added.
The saga began on May 13—a day after Azam left office—when Tei lodged a police report at the Bandar Presint 7 police station in Putrajaya. Tei alleged that Azam had threatened, mistreated, and attempted to stop him from exposing the Sabah corruption scandal and several high-profile politicians involved in it in November 2024.
High Court battle looming: July 8 date set
Azam has fiercely denied all allegations, previously urging the police to expedite their probe to clear his name. He has since escalated the matter by filing a defamation writ of summons against Tei on Monday.
The Shah Alam High Court has now fixed July 8 for case management before deputy registrar Nur Hidayah Abd Mutalib.
According to his statement of claim, Azam asserts that Tei defamed him in a calculated, pre-planned podcast aired on May 13 across YouTube, YouTube Shorts, and Tei’s personal social media platforms. The podcast featured Tei as the host alongside two other individuals, known as Alif and Rafidah Ibrahim.
Azam denied all claims made in the broadcast, stating he had never met or communicated with Tei, except during a single meeting with Tei’s lawyer on January 20, 2025.
“All of the allegations, claims and disses made by Tei in the publication were false, baseless and defamatory,” Azam stated.
A press statement issued by Azam’s legal representatives, Messrs Zain Megat & Murad, emphasised that their client commenced legal proceedings to vindicate a reputation built over nearly four decades of public service.
Azam is seeking:
- A court declaration that the statements were false and defamatory.
- An injunction to stop Tei, his workers, or agents from publishing or distributing the statements.
- A court order forcing Tei to remove the publication within seven days.
- An unspecified amount of general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, plus interests and costs.
When approached by reporters yesterday, Tei stated he had yet to be served with the writ of summons. Tei was at court for a mention regarding his own separate criminal case, where he faces five charges of bribery involving a former senior political secretary of the Prime Minister.