MACC DETAINS SHAMSUL ISKANDAR, ALBERT TEI, SOFIA RINI TO ASSIST IN GRAFT PROBE

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- 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.

MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said they were all detained to assist in the probe into allegations that Albert Tei, whose full name is Tei Jiann Cheing, paid bribes to Shamsul Iskandar to recover funds said to have been distributed to Sabah assemblymen.

"The MACC detained Shamsul Iskandar at its headquarters at 12.51 pm 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 Dec 1, was informed to come earlier, but declined to do so and did not want to cooperate with MACC's investigation,” he said here today.

He added that Albert Tei was detained at his house in Puchong at 10.15 am today, as he is a key individual in the investigation.

Azam said the MACC also served a notice under Section 28A(9) of the Criminal Procedure Code on Albert Tei, 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 Iskandar at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Azam said that Sofia Rini was detained at 10.30 pm yesterday when she arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with the investigation.

He added that Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granted a four-day remand order for Sofia Rini until Monday (Dec 1).

Azam emphasised that the case is of public importance and the MACC has carried out its probe swiftly to prevent it from being manipulated by certain parties.

He said the MACC will investigate the case professionally and fairly in accordance with the law, and that 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,” he said.

-- BERNAMA