KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Businessman Albert Tei, a key figure in an ongoing corruption investigation linked to a former political secretary of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, was reportedly arrested on November 28, 2025. The detention, described by his lawyer as forceful and unlawful, occurred during a raid by unidentified masked officers at Tei's residence.
Lawyer Alleges Forceful Entry and Denial of Counsel
According to lawyer Zaid Malek, he arrived at his client's home in Kuala Lumpur to witness officers forcibly entering the premises before apprehending and handcuffing Tei. Mr. Zaid stated that despite identifying himself as legal counsel, he was denied entry and prevented from communicating with his client. He further alleged that the officers refused to identify themselves, a move he labeled "high-handed and unlawful."
Mr. Zaid claims that officers only engaged with him after he began photographing the incident, subsequently demanding access to his phone to view the images, which he deemed an "illegal" request. Tei was later seen being escorted from his house in handcuffs, surrounded by armed personnel wearing balaclavas. Mr. Zaid expressed alarm at the display of force, remarking, "It was as if they were arresting a terrorist. I do not even know for sure if they are police or MACC officers." MACC stands for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
Questions Raised Over Constitutional Rights and Whistleblower Protection
The lawyer has strongly condemned the events, asserting they constitute a grave breach of Tei's constitutional rights, including the denial of due process and access to legal representation. He also raised pertinent questions about the focus of the investigation, asking why action was being taken against a whistleblower rather than the individual Tei had provided information about – Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the Prime Minister's former political secretary.
MACC Remains Silent on Arrest and Allegations
As of the current reporting, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has not released any official statement concerning the arrest or the serious allegations put forth by Mr. Zaid. The incident has cast a spotlight on the treatment of whistleblowers and legal procedures in high-profile corruption cases in Malaysia.