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BUSINESSMAN Albert Tei has been remanded for six days starting today to assist in the investigation into allegations related to a video clip showing his conversation with a woman known as Sofia Rini Buyong.
The remand order was granted by Magistrate Fatin Muneerah Sofian after hearing an application from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) this morning.
This was confirmed by Tei's lawyer Mahajoth Singh when met by reporters outside court.
Earlier, Tei, whose real name is Tei Jiann Cheing, along with former Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, were taken in an MACC van to the Putrajaya Court Complex here to obtain a remand order.
The remand application against Shamsul Iskandar is still ongoing.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that Albert was detained because he was the most important individual in the investigation into allegations involving Shamsul Iskandar.
Azam was also quoted as saying that the MACC had served a notice under Section 28A(9) of the Criminal Procedure Code on Albert, which gives the investigating authorities the power to deny the right of an individual under investigation to communicate with a lawyer and any other party.
Meanwhile, the court also granted a six-day remand order against Shamsul Iskandar.
The order was also issued by Fatin Muneerah to enable MACC to investigate under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 involving the video clip case showing a conversation between Sofia and Tei.
The provision under Section 16 involves the offence of soliciting or accepting or agreeing to accept a bribe. It also involves the offence of corruptly giving, promising or offering a bribe or inducement.
Lawyer Yusmadi Yusoff, who represents Shamsul Iskandar said the six-day remand order was granted after considering that his client needed treatment for various illnesses.
Sofia Rini has been remanded for four days from yesterday until Monday.
MACC Fast-Tracks Probe
MACC is accelerating its investigation into a businessman and a former senior political secretary to the prime minister, both detained over allegations of bribery linked to attempts to recover funds previously channelled to several Sabah state assemblymen.
The pair were arrested after claims emerged that the businessman had allegedly offered inducements to the former political aide in an effort to reclaim the disputed payments.
According to investigation sources, the inquiry is being prioritised, with findings expected to be referred swiftly to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). “Charges are expected if the evidence and statements collected meet prosecutorial requirements,” one source said.
At the Putrajaya magistrate’s court this morning, MACC argued that the case involved clear elements of public interest and that investigators required sufficient time to secure evidence and record statements from relevant individuals.
The commission submitted that remand was necessary to ensure a complete and uninterrupted investigative process.
Despite resistance from defence counsel representing both suspects, Magistrate Fatin Muneerah Sofian approved a six-day remand order, effective until 4 December 2025. The court held that the period was essential to allow MACC to conduct a thorough examination of the case.
Azam Baki later confirmed the remand of both individuals and underscored the commission’s commitment to due process.
He said the investigation would be carried out “professionally and fairly in accordance with the law” and instructed his officers to remain focused and to conclude the probe within one week.
The case is being investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, which deals with the solicitation or receipt of gratification by an agent. - November 29, 2025