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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has firmly rejected assertions by advocacy group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) that summoning lawyer Mahajoth Singh in connection with its investigation into businessman Albert Tei was inappropriate or unlawful.
In a statement, MACC emphasised that the action was taken in strict accordance with Section 30(1) of the MACC Act 2009, which permits any individual to be called to present relevant documents and materials essential to an ongoing investigation.
The commission further clarified that legal practitioners are not exempt from such statutory requirements.
“Lawyer Mahajoth Singh has a legal obligation to provide evidence as stipulated under Section 30(3),” MACC said. “Failure to comply may constitute obstruction of a public officer conducting an investigation, which is an offence under the law.”
The agency added that the privilege of solicitor–client communication applies solely to confidential legal advice and does not extend to materials or documents held by a lawyer who is a material witness in a case.
“The allegation of intimidation is unfounded. The notice is a routine statutory procedure and does not prevent lawyers from representing their clients,” it said.
MACC also addressed claims regarding restricted access to the detainee, asserting that temporary limitations are imposed under Section 28A(8) of the Criminal Procedure Code and operational requirements to preserve the integrity of investigations.
“Misrepresenting a lawful procedure as ‘unlawful’ is irresponsible and may mislead the public,” the commission said, reaffirming its commitment to conduct investigations professionally, impartially, and in full compliance with the law.
Earlier, New Straits Times reported LFL director Zaid Malek describing that the summoning of Mahajoth Singh as “unlawful” and an act of intimidation, alleging that it violated solicitor–client confidentiality and the legal protections afforded under Section 126 of the Evidence Act 1950 and Section 46 of the MACC Act 2009.
Zaid argued that compelling a lawyer to answer questions regarding a client’s case undermines the administration of justice and sets a troubling precedent for due process.
“The fact that lawyer Mahajoth was denied access to his detained client only yesterday, and is now himself being summoned for questioning the very next day, demonstrates a lurch towards lawlessness by the MACC,” he said, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the notice and a public explanation from MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
MACC maintained that summoning individuals in possession of relevant evidence is standard investigative procedure and that Mahajoth Singh is believed to hold exhibits critical to the probe.
The commission confirmed that it has obtained a six-day remand order for Albert Tei until 5 December, as confirmed by his legal counsel outside the Putrajaya magistrate’s court.
“Such measures are taken to ensure the investigation proceeds effectively and lawfully,” MACC said, stressing that all actions are conducted under statutory authority and within legal frameworks. - November 30, 2025