Anwar accepts aide's resignation, won't interfere with MACC probe

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has accepted the resignation of his political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, following a corruption scandal.

While not delving into the allegations against Shamsul, Anwar said he would not interfere with any MACC investigations.

"Regarding the allegations that have surfaced, I stress that the MACC is free to investigate immediately without any outside interference.

"The Madani government stands firm by the principles of transparency and integrity, and will give room to the investigation process in accordance with the law," he said in a brief statement today.

Bombshell revelation

Yesterday, businessperson Albert Tei revealed to Malaysiakini that he had spent RM629,000 on Shamsul after being purportedly assured that he could recoup the money channelled to politicians in Sabah.

Among other things, the businessperson claimed to have paid for renovations, appliances and furnishings for two properties – one in Bangsar and an official residence in Putrajaya.

Shamsul Iskandar Akin (left) and Albert Tei

Tei also furnished Malaysiakini with WhatsApp screenshots from December 2023 in which Shamsul purportedly requested money while travelling abroad.

Later, a video was released in which a woman - purportedly Shamsul’s proxy - alleged that Anwar had given the Malacca PKR chief his blessings to prod Tei into recording secret videos of Sabah politicians discussing alleged bribes.

Tei has been on a warpath to take down politicians he gave money to for mineral exploration licences, which he did not end up getting.

Shamsul quits

Shamsul had resigned as Anwar’s political secretary in anticipation of the allegations.

Shamsul is also under the spotlight over a letter of support he penned in May last year for six contractors who wanted to participate in a hospital project.

The matter resurfaced in Parliament last week, to which Anwar responded that he had reprimanded the now-former political secretary.

However, Anwar later rejected calls to sack Shamsul over the letter. - Mkini