Albert Tei should be grateful he didn’t vanish like Pastor Koh, Amri Che Mat amid MACC’s strong-arm tactics
IN THE latest twist to the high-profile corruption scandal involving whistle blower Datuk Albert Tei Jiann Cheing, the cyberspace is abuzz with condemnation of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) alongside the police for using heavy-handed methods to arrest the businessman.
This followed a search at the residence of the businessman in the centre of the Sabah mining license corruption case in Puchong yesterday (Nov 28) where the 37-year-old was led away in handcuffs by armed men clad in balaclavas and bullet-proof vests at 10.15am.
MACC has arrested businessperson Albert Tei after raiding his residence in Puchong, Selangor, according to his lawyers.
Based on short video clips shared with Malaysiakini, a group of MACC operatives in full tactical gear - including bulletproof vests and balaclavas - put Tei in handcuffs before escorting him into an unmarked black sedan.
His legal counsel, Zaid Malek, who recorded the video, was heard asking the officers repeatedly where they were taking Tei and to speak to ...
See moreSuch approach was questioned by Tei’s legal counsel Zaid Malek who labelled the officers at the scene as “arrogant” as well as “acting illegally” in refusing to identify themselves or disclose where they were taking his client to.
His pleas to speak to an officer-in-charge were also ignored, leading Zaid who is also the Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director asking why the need for such a show of force? Were they coming after a terrorist?
Peguam Zaid Malek mendakwa Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) melakukan ‘pencerobohan paksa’ ke rumah ahli perniagaan Albert Tei sebelum menahan serta menggari anak guamnya itu hari ini
Dakwa Zaid, beliau tiba di kediaman Albert di Puchong itu namun pegawai SPRM dan anggota polis yang berada di lokasi didakwa tidak membenarkannya masuk atau bertemu ahli perniagaan itu.
“Tiada seorang pun pegawai memperkenalkan diri. Kegagalan untuk mengenal pasti diri adalah angkuh...
See moreI just heard MACC raided Albert's house. Why Azam? I know you are powerful, but you are scheduled to question him tomorrow; why is this raid necessary? To top it, I understand his lawyer is out of town
MACC definitely needs a total revamp by the next govt
‘MACC contradicted itself’
The opposition-slant legal eagle further chided MACC head honcho Tan Sri Azam Baki for this show of power. Why was the raid necessary when the MACC was already scheduled to quiz Tei on Monday (Dec 1) and worst, “his (other) lawyer (Mahajoth Singh) is out of town”.
Editor’s Note: Azam later clarified in a video recording that Tei was arrested for refusing to cooperate to assist in investigation at an earlier date.
“I believe Albert’s wife and so do millions of others,” he penned on his Facebook page. “To the Chinese voters who adore Madani, it’s time to change.”
Meanwhile, the MACC has also detained Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the other main protagonist whom Tei alleged in a Malaysiakini exclusive as having received bribes in kind and cash from him.
The recently resigned senior political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was arrested an hour after giving a statement to the MACC. However, it does not appear that a commando unit armed to the teeth was at the scene.
Bekas setiausaha politik kanan perdana menteri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin turut ditahan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) kira-kira sejam selepas memberikan keterangan di ibu pejabat badan antirasuah itu tengah hari tadi.
SPRM dijangka memohon perintah reman terhadapnya, bersama seorang lagi saksi – ahli perniagaan Albert Tei – di Mahkamah Majistret Putrajaya., pagi esok.
Perkara itu diumumkan Ketua Pesuruhjaya SPRM Azam Baki di TikTok sebentar tadi.
...See moreIs strong-arm tactic necessary?
Apart from the allegations of corruption, the question that begs to be asked is why did the MACC behave in such a heavy-handed manner in detaining Tei?
Quite simply put, intimidation should have no place in a society (supposedly) built on democratic principles of transparency and accountability.
Coupled with the masked officers’ refusal to identify themselves or disclose any details of the purported arrest, such actions are illegal as rightly pointed out by both Tei’s legal counsel.
“Institutions that operate with integrity do not ambush whistleblowers or informers, contradict their own timelines or behave as though they have something to fear from transparency,” justified Mahajoth in echoing the sentiment raised by Zaid Malek.
“Malaysia now appears to be the only country where individuals who disclose alleged high-level corruption are the ones raided, hauled away and threatened with prosecution.
“This upside-down use of state power is not just alarming; it’s a direct attack on informers and the public’s right to know.”
Beyond that, it also paints a picture of a Madani government that is running scared from the allegations. Given that PMX has previously been the subject of such raids himself, he should know better that perceived heavy-handedness by the authorities could sway public perception.
This wanton disregard for civil liberties has become almost SOP (standard operating procedure) in Malaysia with the usual “order from the top” being used as a get-out-of-jail card.
Given the supposedly “explosive” nature of Tei’s allegations, perhaps he is very fortunate that he did not end up like Pastor Raymond Koh and social activist Amri Che Mat.
Both disappeared after being kidnapped by balaclava-clad men in broad daylight. Their whereabouts remain a mystery. – Nov 29, 2025
Polis State.
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