Former Aide to Malaysian Prime Minister Faces Bribery Charges

A former senior political secretary to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a businessman will face bribery charges this week, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The charges are part of a wider investigation into corruption allegations linked to mining projects in Sabah.

On November 25, 2023, Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who resigned from his position as Anwar’s senior political secretary, and businessman Albert Tei will be charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court. Each faces four counts of receiving and offering bribes. They will also face an additional count of the same offences at the Shah Alam Sessions Court on the following day, November 26.

Both Shamsul and Tei were arrested separately on November 28. Additionally, a third individual, identified as Sofia Rini Buyong, has been arrested but will not face charges as she is classified as a prosecution witness. MACC chief Azam Baki confirmed that the commission has recorded statements from 32 witnesses during the investigation.

When questioned about whether the investigation might reveal additional corruption within the Prime Minister’s Office or the government, Azam indicated that the focus remains on allegations highlighted by the local media outlet Malaysiakini. He noted that the details of the charges might differ from those reported by the press.

The allegations against Shamsul first emerged just before the Sabah state election on November 29. Tei claimed he had transferred a total of RM629,000 (approximately US$152,215) to Shamsul, which was allegedly used for personal expenses such as home renovations and luxury items. This revelation followed Shamsul’s resignation amid accusations of issuing letters of support in a tender, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Tei has suggested that the money was spent after he was assured he could recover it through political channels in Sabah, although specifics regarding these channels were not disclosed. Reports indicate that Tei has a contentious relationship with the incumbent Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition, which is part of Anwar’s unity government and was in an electoral pact with Anwar’s party, Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Tei has recently gained attention for releasing covert videos purportedly showing Sabah state lawmakers in discussions about bribery related to mining licenses. Although he positions himself as a whistleblower, he has also faced charges alongside two Sabah state assembly members for offering and accepting bribes. The individuals involved have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Tei released the videos out of revenge for losing out on government contracts.

The MACC has opened a separate investigation into Tei’s lawyer, Mahajoth Singh, for not cooperating with the commission. Azam stated that Singh’s refusal to provide information could hinder the investigation, emphasizing that MACC does not grant special exemptions to any profession, including lawyers.

Amid these developments, Tei’s wife, Lee Pei Rie, has alleged that MACC officers pointed a firearm at her husband during his arrest and failed to present a search warrant during a raid on their home. In response, Azam confirmed that a police report has been filed regarding these allegations, stating that the commission is committed to transparency.

On November 25, shortly after the allegations surfaced, Tei released a video featuring a woman he claims is Sofia, who purportedly acted as Shamsul’s proxy. In this video, she alleged that the Prime Minister authorized Tei to record conversations with Sabah politicians about mineral exploration licenses. While Sofia acknowledged meeting Tei, she refuted claims of being Shamsul’s proxy, accusing him of spreading falsehoods.

As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the political landscape in Malaysia, particularly for Anwar’s government, which has faced scrutiny following the recent Sabah elections.