Whistleblower Albert Tei in dramatic arrest as Malaysia’s anti-graft agency says he refused to cooperate

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysian businessman and whistleblower Albert Tei was arrested on 28 November 2025 during a raid by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission at his home in Puchong.

According to his lawyer, Zaid Malek, officers forcefully entered the residence and initially escorted Tei away before bringing him back minutes later.

Another lawyer, Mahajoth Singh, told Malaysiakini that MACC officers possessed a warrant when entering the home.

Zaid claimed officers refused to identify themselves and prevented him from meeting his client, which he described as a breach of Tei’s constitutional right to counsel.

He said the officers only engaged with him after he photographed the scene, and he alleged they attempted to seize his phone.

Zaid added that Tei was brought out at 1.15pm, but repeated requests for information about his whereabouts and the purpose of the arrest went unanswered.

Footage circulated online showed Tei shouting “Lawan Tetap Lawan”, a slogan historically associated with reformasi protests.

Zaid later told Free Malaysia Today that Tei was taken away again at around 12.50pm.

MACC later issued a statement denying allegations that an officer pointed a firearm at Tei during the arrest.

Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the operation followed established procedures and was justified because Tei had failed to cooperate with an earlier instruction to appear before investigators.

Azam said Tei was scheduled to present himself on 1 December but had been asked to come in earlier.

He stated that Tei refused, prompting his arrest at 10.15am.

According to Azam, Tei was served with a Section 28A(9) notice under the Criminal Procedure Code, which allows investigators to restrict an accused person’s communication with legal counsel or third parties.

He emphasised that Tei was a key figure assisting the ongoing investigation.

Azam also said MACC had lodged a police report to address what he described as “slander” against officers involved in the operation.

He warned against the dissemination of unverified information that could disrupt the investigation.

Tei’s wife, identified only as Lee, alleged that officers pointed a gun at her husband when forcing entry into the home.

She claimed the officers barged through the main door before handcuffing him.

The arrest is linked to a wider investigation involving former senior political secretary to the Prime Minister, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, businessman Tei, and Sofia Rini Buyong.

All three were previously detained to assist in the probe, which MACC opened due to its public significance.

Tei and Sofia had been summoned on 24 November to give statements regarding alleged corruption linked to Shamsul.

Tei is already on trial for two counts of giving bribes associated with the Sabah mining scandal.

The scandal intensified in 2024 when Tei released hidden-camera recordings purportedly showing bribery discussions with several Sabah lawmakers.

The videos were captured using a pen camera and appeared to depict negotiations over mineral exploration licences.

One video dated 21 November showed Tei speaking to a woman alleged to be Sofia, who was purported to act as a proxy for Shamsul.
She denied the claim, calling it “false and malicious”.

Earlier this week, Tei alleged he had spent RM629,000 (approx. US$152,208) on Shamsul, covering renovations for several properties, premium cigars and custom-made suits.

He said these expenses were made with the expectation that he could recoup funds channelled to Sabah politicians.

Tei also released screenshots of WhatsApp messages in which Shamsul purportedly requested foreign currency before travelling overseas.

Shamsul resigned as political secretary shortly before the allegations became public, saying attempts were being made to damage his reputation and that of the administration.

The MACC investigation continues as the political ramifications of the Sabah mining case widen.