FORMER senior political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and businessman Albert Tei arrived at the Putrajaya Magistrates Court this morning for a remand application as part of an escalating corruption probe.
Both men were transported in a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) van, arriving at 8.59am, New Straits Times reported on Saturday.
As Tei stepped out of the vehicle, he was heard shouting in Bahasa Malaysia, claiming the situation was the result of going against “top leaders,” while Shamsul Iskandar remained silent during his escort into the court building.
The arrests come after MACC detained Shamsul, Tei, and Sofia Rini Buyong yesterday in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption linked to Sabah political funding.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki described the probe as one of “public importance,” necessitating immediate action.
Sofia Rini had earlier been taken into custody on November 27 upon her arrival at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with the investigation.
Yesterday, a remand application was filed for Sofia Rini, with Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin granting a four-day remand order until Monday.
Tei, who was initially scheduled to appear on Monday, reportedly resisted earlier instructions to cooperate with the investigation.
Allegations suggest Tei had handed RM629,000 to the former political secretary after being assured that funds directed to multiple Sabah politicians could be recovered.
Screenshots of WhatsApp messages and photographs purportedly supporting the claims have circulated in connection with the case.
On Tuesday, Shamsul confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stepping down amid the intensifying investigation.
The MACC has not ruled out further actions as the inquiry into Sabah-linked political contributions continues. - November 29, 2025
