ALBERT TEI: POLICE YET TO FIND EVIDENCE OF GUNPOINT ALLEGATIONS

SHAH ALAM, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Police have yet to find any evidence to support allegations that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers pointed a firearm at businessman Albert Tei Tei during his arrest at his residence in Puchong on Nov 28.

Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said this was based on initial investigations conducted after statements were recorded from all MACC officers and personnel involved in the operation, as well as from Tei’s wife, who is also the complainant in the case.

He said the investigation was still being conducted thoroughly and advised the public not to speculate in ways that could interfere with the course of the probe.

“Several witnesses have been called to record their statements to assist in the investigation, but I cannot disclose the number at this time. Please give the police time to complete the investigation,” he said.

“Only the complainant’s family members have yet to have their statements recorded, as they are believed to be outside of the area following the incident, but they have committed to coming forward when called,” he said at a press conference here today.

Shazeli said police had also obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the residence involved, as well as recordings of telephone conversations, which have been submitted to the forensics unit for further examination and analysis.

However, he declined to disclose the number of CCTV recordings obtained, citing the ongoing investigation.

“The recordings do exist, but I cannot reveal them at this time. We will also recall the complainant, Tei’s wife, to obtain further evidence,” he said.

Shazeli said a police inquiry paper has also been opened to investigate the allegations.

It was previously reported that the MACC officers who conducted the raid at Tei’s residence were equipped with body-worn cameras and other recording devices.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki reportedly said that the commission had lodged a police report over the allegations to allow for a proper investigation, and to prevent any malicious parties from spreading unverified information involving the MACC.

According to Azam, Tei’s arrest was conducted in accordance with established procedures, and he denied claims that any MACC officer had pointed a firearm at the businessman’s head.

-- BERNAMA