Azam threatens defamation lawsuit against Albert's 'baseless allegations'

Azam Baki is mulling legal action against businessperson Albert Tei after the latter implicated the former MACC chief commissioner in several allegations concerning the Sabah corruption scandal.

According to the New Straits Times, Azam said he will consult his legal representatives prior to determining his next course of action against Tei (above, right).

“The allegations made against me are completely baseless and have tarnished my reputation.

“I am considering suing him (Tei) and will discuss the matter with my lawyers first,” Azam was quoted as saying today.

Affirming that he has already been in touch with police investigators and will be furnishing them with his statement, Azam asserted that he has never “dealt directly” with Tei while questioning the businessperson’s claim of alleged intimidation.

“I have no idea what this fellow is talking about… I have also never directed any lawyer representing me to deal with him directly,” he added.

He is also quoted as accusing Tei of “playing games” and spreading misinformation, a move which he urged the police to investigate.

Yesterday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar confirmed that police are expected to summon Azam to facilitate a probe into a report lodged by Tei, who Kumar said claimed he was threatened by Azam through the latter's lawyer.

Speaking at a press conference, Kumar added that the investigation is being conducted under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.

Bid to stop exposure of Sabah scandal

On May 13, Tei lodged a police report alleging that Azam had threatened and attempted to stop him from exposing the Sabah mining licences scandal in November 2024.

In the police report, lodged in Putrajaya a day after Azam retired from his position with the graft busters, Tei alleged that the incident occurred on Nov 10, 2024, while he was in the process of exposing the scandal involving 15 high-ranking Sabah politicians.

The businessperson also claimed he possesses complete documentary evidence, including a list of individuals with direct knowledge of the incident, as well as records of conversations via WhatsApp and other communication platforms with the relevant parties.

He added that the main reason why he had not reported the matter earlier was a fear of “retaliation” from Azam, who the businessperson said held significant influence and power to “oppress” him via his position as the nation’s top anti-graft officer.

Charged with bribery

Tei has since been charged in two separate courts over bribery-linked offences.

Before the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court on June 30 last year, Tei pleaded not guilty to two counts of offering bribes to Tanjung Batu assemblyperson Andi Suryady Bandy and former Sindumin assemblyperson Yusof Yacob.

The two politicians also pleaded not guilty to charges of receiving bribes from Tei.

READ MORE: Yusof's role in GLC risks silencing Sabah mining scandal, critics caution

Later in December, Tei claimed trial to another four charges of giving RM176,830 in bribes to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide, Shamsul Iskandar Akin.

The former Malacca PKR chief also pleaded not guilty to four charges of taking bribes, which he is accused of taking to help Tei's companies obtain mineral mining licences in Sabah.

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