The MACC’s raid and seizure of several items at businessperson Albert Tei’s house on Nov 28 were done according to the law and fixed standard operating procedure, said its chief commissioner Azam Baki.
In a press conference today, Azam also dismissed Tei’s wife’s claim that no search list was given during the raid.
“(These claims) are not true because my investigating officers have abided by the SOP (during the raid), including handing Tei the search list or the list of items or exhibits to be seized.
“This is not an issue, and I need to correct this accusation,” said Azam.
He added that his officers’ initial investigation showed there were grounds to order Tei to be called for questioning earlier than Dec 1, the date he was initially scheduled to appear at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.
“Yes, initially, I announced that he would be called for questioning on Dec 1. But in this case, given it’s a high-profile case, there was a need to call him in earlier than scheduled, based on findings from initial investigations.
“Therefore, my investigating officers had ordered him to appear earlier. He was asked to cooperate and to come to the MACC headquarters.
“(But) because he refused to cooperate, and I would like to point out that all kinds of procedures had been followed, (including) giving him notice ordering him to appear, which he did not abide by, the MACC was forced to take actions by ‘taking’ him from his house,” Azam explained.
‘Officers had body cams’
On Nov 28, several MACC officers, clad in full tactical gear, including bulletproof vests and balaclavas, raided Tei’s house.
His counsel, Zaid Malek, who was at the location on that day, recorded a video of the officers putting handcuffs on the businessperson before escorting him into an unmarked black sedan.
Zaid told Malaysiakini that not a single MACC or police officer had shown him their identity card despite being asked repeatedly.
Later, Tei’s wife, Lee Pei Rie, lodged a police report and urged an investigation into the conduct of certain MACC officers, alleging that she had a gun pointed at her during the raid.
The MACC chief had since denied this and said a police report had been lodged over Lee’s allegation.
In the press conference today, Azam further defended his officers, saying that they had recordings of the raid.
“All was done according to the legal procedure. Our officers are equipped with recording devices. I believe my officers had their body cameras on that day. (We all have) evidence that can deny these claims.
“We have also seized CCTV footage from Tei’s house and given it to the police. This will show that there was no power abuse by my officers,” he said.
Tei, Shamsul to be charged
Besides Tei, the graft buster had also arrested Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former political aide, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, and a woman named Sofia Rini Buyong.
They were investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, with over 32 witnesses called during the investigation.
Earlier today, Azam confirmed that Tei and Shamsul will be charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court tomorrow and the Shah Alam Sessions Court on Friday, while Sofia is reclassified as a witness for this case.
Tei has been taking on politicians whom he allegedly gave money to for mineral exploration licences, which he did not end up getting.
He later turned his attention to Shamsul, whom Tei claimed he had spent RM629,000 on after being assured that the PKR man could help recoup money channelled to politicians in Sabah.
Besides funding renovations, appliances, and furnishings for two properties, Tei alleged he had spent thousands of ringgit on premium cigars and tailored suits for Shamsul, who also purportedly requested money from the businessperson while travelling abroad. - Mkini
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