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BUSINESSMAN Albert Tei Jiann Cheng appeared at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Thursday to plead not guilty to four counts of bribery involving RM176,829.03 directed at Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the former senior political secretary to the Prime Minister.
The 37-year-old made the plea after all charges were read before Judge Suzana Hussin. “I plead not guilty and request to be tried,” he stated, dressed in a black coat over a green-collared T-shirt.
The allegations state that Tei provided cash of RM140,000 and household furniture, including electrical items valued at RM14,580.03 and RM22,249, to Shamsul Iskandar as inducements to assist companies linked to Tei in obtaining mineral exploration licences in Sabah.
The offences are said to have occurred at a hotel car park on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Jalan Medang Serai, Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur, and in Precinct 14, Putrajaya, between 24 November 2023 and 5 March 2024.
Tei was charged under Section 17(b) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same act, which carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan, while Tei was represented by lawyer Latheefa Koya.
The case follows earlier allegations that a businessman offered bribes to the former political secretary in order to recover funds previously disbursed to several Sabah state assemblymen. Albert Tei and Shamsul Iskandar were remanded for six days until 4 December, while another individual, Sofia Rini Buyong, was remanded for four days to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The hearing marks the latest development in a high-profile corruption investigation, attracting significant public and media attention due to its political and business implications. - December 4, 2025