SECURITY was visibly tightened at the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex this morning as two Sabah assemblymen and a businessman arrived to face corruption charges.
This is in connection with an alleged mining-related scandal that has rocked the state’s political circles.
Dozens of plainclothes and uniformed police officers were stationed outside the Special Corruption Court from as early as 7.30am, with additional personnel manning key entry points to control the flow of supporters, media personnel and public.
The accused – Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Yusof Yacob, Tanjung Batu assemblyman and state Assistant Minister Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy and businessman Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing – arrived separately.
All three were ushered directly into the courtroom, avoiding the packed corridors where reporters and supporters had gathered.
The charges are believed to stem from a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into the alleged payment and receipt of bribes involving mining licenses.
The court was filled to capacity, with many attendees forced to wait outside as proceedings began behind closed doors.
Both Yusof and Andi are represented by a legal team comprising Shahlan Jufri, Ridwandean Borhan and senior counsel Datuk Ram Singh.
Tei is represented by Edward Paul. The prosecution is led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Nurul Izzati
The state assemblymen and the businessman are to be charged under Section 16(b)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 for giving bribes, and Section 16(a)(A) of the same legislation for receiving them.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrest of the first two suspects on 18 June. The individuals — a state assemblyman in his 60s and a businessman in his 30s — are suspected of involvement in a bribery scheme involving approximately RM200,000 linked to the licensing of mining activities in Sabah.
According to sources, the alleged offences were committed between 2023 and 2024.
Subsequently, on 23 June, Azam confirmed the arrest of a second assemblyman, aged in his 40s and currently serving as an assistant minister. He is suspected of soliciting and receiving roughly RM150,000 in bribes in relation to the same case, also between 2023 and 2024.
The businessman was released on bail of RM100,000 with two sureties after his statement was recorded. Both assemblymen were released on RM50,000 bail with one surety each, following the recording of their statements. - June 30, 2025
