Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, businessman Albert Tei, and Sofia Rini Buyong to assist in the investigations into allegations of corruption. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that these individuals were apprehended to aid in the probe regarding claims that Albert Tei, whose full name is Tei Jiann Cheing, paid bribes to Shamsul Iskandar to recover funds allegedly distributed to Sabah assemblymen.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Iskandar was detained at the MACC headquarters at 12.51 pm after arriving to have his statement recorded. Albert Tei, initially expected to provide his statement on December 1, was requested to attend earlier but refused to cooperate with the investigation. Consequently, he was detained at his residence in Puchong at 10.15 am, as he is a pivotal figure in the inquiry.

Azam highlighted that the MACC served a notice under Section 28A(9) of the Criminal Procedure Code on Albert Tei, permitting investigators to restrict access to legal counsel and other parties. Remand applications for both Tei and Shamsul Iskandar are anticipated at the Putrajaya Magistrate's Court tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Sofia Rini was detained at 10.30 pm yesterday upon her arrival at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with the investigation. Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin has granted a four-day remand order for Sofia Rini, extending until Monday.

Azam stressed the public importance of the case, noting that the MACC has conducted its investigation expeditiously to prevent manipulation by certain parties. He assured that the case would be examined professionally and fairly, in line with legal standards, and affirmed that those wishing to contest their arrests could do so in court.

Azam instructed his investigators to finalize the probe within a week for submission to the Attorney-General's Chambers, urging all parties to remain patient and refrain from speculation.