Each to face five charges.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former senior political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and businessman Albert Tei will each face five charges under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the Public Prosecutor has consented to the charges, which will be brought on Thursday (Dec 4) and Friday (Dec 5).
“Both individuals are expected to face five charges each,” Azam said on Wednesday (Dec 3). “Tei will be charged under Section 17(b) of the MACC Act 2009 for allegedly giving bribes. Shamsul Iskandar will face five charges under Section 17(a) of the same Act for allegedly accepting bribes.”
Four charges will be heard at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court and one at the Shah Alam Court. Azam added that another individual, Sofia Rini Buyong, has been made a prosecution witness. A total of 32 witnesses have given statements.
“I commend my officers for completing the investigation within a week,” he said, noting the high public interest and extensive media coverage.
Shamsul and Tei were detained on 28 November over alleged bribe payments linked to efforts to recover funds said to have been distributed to several Sabah assemblymen. Sofia Rini was arrested on 27 November. Shamsul and Tei were remanded until Dec 4, while Sofia Rini was released when her remand expired on Dec 1.
On 28 November, Azam said the investigation would be conducted “professionally and fairly in accordance with the law.” He added that anyone wishing to challenge the arrests may do so in court. Investigators were instructed to complete the probe within a week for submission to the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“We urge the public to refrain from speculation while the investigation is ongoing,” Azam said.
Related Reports:
Nov 29, Shamsul, Tei brought to court in handcuffs, detainee attire
Nov 28, Albert Tei arrested by armed MACC officers after raid on home
Nov 26, Albert Tei links Anwar’s senior aide Shamsul to Sabah mining scandal
Nov 25, Albert Tei tells Mahathir who ordered him to record Sabah corruption videos