Kuala lumpur: Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has filed a defamation suit against businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing over statements allegedly made and published about him, which he claims are false and defamatory.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a statement issued today by Messrs Zain Megat and Murad, the law firm representing Azam, confirmed that the writ of summons and statement of claim were filed at the Shah Alam High Court yesterday. The suit concerns statements allegedly published and republished through podcasts, YouTube Shorts, and other online platforms.
The firm stated that Azam is seeking damages and a permanent injunction against Tei. "Azam maintains that the allegations are baseless and untrue and has commenced these proceedings to vindicate his reputation and good name built over nearly four decades of public service," the statement read.
The legal firm added that, as the matter is now before the courts, neither Azam nor his legal representatives would comment further on the merits of the case and urged all parties to respect the judicial process. However, when met by reporters after court proceedings today, Tei confirmed that he had yet to be served with the writ of summons.
Earlier, during the case management session before Sessions Court Judge Rosli Ahmad, Deputy Public Prosecutor M. Esther Jacyntha informed the court that the prosecution had submitted 38 documents to the defense in accordance with Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code and that several other documents still needed to be submitted.
She also mentioned that the prosecution intended to have Tei's case heard jointly with that of former senior political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin. "However, we are still awaiting the Court of Appeal's decision on Shamsul's appeal after the High Court dismissed his application to transfer the case," she said.
Tei's counsel, Mahajoth Singh, confirmed receipt of the 38 documents. Judge Rosli subsequently set July 24 for mention and the deadline for the submission of remaining documents.
Tei, 37, faces four charges of allegedly giving bribes amounting to RM140,000 in cash and furniture, including electrical appliances valued at RM14,580.03 and RM22,249, to Shamsul Iskandar. The alleged bribes were purportedly intended to induce Shamsul Iskandar to assist companies linked to Tei in obtaining approvals for mineral exploration licences in Sabah, despite the matter being unrelated to Shamsul's principal affairs.
The offences were allegedly committed at a hotel car park along Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, at Jalan Medang Serai in Bukit Bandaraya, and in Precinct 14, Putrajaya, between Nov 24, 2023, and March 5, 2024. Tei also faces a separate charge of allegedly giving RM64,924 to Shamsul Iskandar at a bank in Country Heights, Kajang, between Nov 28, 2023, and Sept 23, 2024.
All the charges are framed under Section 17(b) of the MACC Act 2009 and are punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the alleged bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.