Probe graft claims and how Tei was detained, TI-M urges govt
Its president, Raymon Ram, said it was crucial to ensure that neither corruption nor misconduct would be tolerated, with the investigation findings made public.
“Transparency is the...
Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) urged the government to investigate both the corruption allegations levelled by businessperson Albert Tei and the manner in which he was detained by MACC officers yesterday.
Its president, Raymon Ram, said it was crucial to ensure that neither corruption nor misconduct would be tolerated, with the investigation findings made public.
“Transparency is the most effective tool for restoring public trust.
“Clear updates from the authorities will help reduce rumours and speculation regarding political manipulation,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Yesterday, Tei’s wife, Lee Pei Rie, lodged a police report over MACC’s raid on the couple’s home in Puchong, Selangor.
In the report, Lee expressed concern over Tei’s safety and urged an investigation into the conduct of certain MACC officers during the raid.
“I am making this police report because I am worried about my husband’s safety and want to ensure he is safe while in detention, and I demand a full investigation into the MACC officers who did the aforementioned actions,” she said in the report sighted by Malaysiakini.
According to Lee, she claimed that MACC officers had pointed a gun at Tei while he was being handcuffed.
She also claimed that one of the officers had pointed a gun at her after she was found recording the raid using her phone.
The officers later confiscated not only her phone but also those of others living in the house, before deleting videos on the devices.
Lee also claimed that the MACC officers had scanned her home with an electronic device.
However, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki denied claims that his officers had pointed a weapon at Tei during his arrest.
Instead, he insisted that the arrest carried out by MACC officers was conducted in accordance with established procedures.
A national challenge
On that note, Raymon reminded the authorities that the pursuit of justice must adhere to constitutional and legal safeguards accorded to all citizens.
He also stressed that denying an accused the right to counsel should only be exercised with clear justification.
“This is not an isolated incident but part of a larger national challenge: ensuring that institutions remain credible, independent, and accountable.
“And Transparency International Malaysia stands ready to monitor the situation closely and support efforts that strengthen good governance and accountability, ensuring that the corrupt are brought to justice.
“Only through transparency, fairness, and integrity can Malaysia move forward and preserve the trust of the people,” Raymon added.
‘Gangster-like approach’
Meanwhile, Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement condemned MACC’s actions, likening it to an abduction by gangsters.
Its chairperson, Ng Yap Hwa, said MACC’s action reminded his association of how the agency’s officers had repeatedly visited the office of then-Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah in 2009, and forcibly took his aide, Teoh Beng Hock, away, leading to the aide’s death.
Calling for the MACC officers involved in the raid to be punished, Ng also urged Azam to apologise to Tei and his family.
“We also urge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to implement sweeping reforms within the MACC, guarantee the fundamental human rights of detainees, and pursue accountability for all deaths linked to the MACC.
“Without punishment and accountability, every person could become the MACC’s next victim,” he added.
