Albert Tei Takes Legal Action Against Azam Baki, MACC Over Orange Lock-Up Shirt

KUALA LUMPUR: Albert Tei has filed a civil suit against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and the government, alleging he was unlawfully compelled to wear an orange lock-up shirt while under investigation.

His lawyer, N. Surendran, questioned the legal basis for requiring an individual who had not been convicted to be dressed in lock-up attire, saying the practice violated the presumption of innocence.

Tei is seeking a court declaration that the action was unconstitutional, as well as damages to be assessed by the court.

“Which law does it state that a person who has merely been arrested or is still under investigation must be forced to wear an orange lock-up shirt?” Surendran asked.

“Their photographs are taken and disseminated online, in the media and on television. What happens if the court later acquits them? Can this loss of dignity ever be restored?” he said, adding that no Malaysian law permits such a practice.

Tei alleged that he was forced to wear an orange T-shirt bearing the word “lock-up”, handcuffed and paraded to several locations in public view.

“Wearing the same attire, I was taken to several places and seen by many people. What was MACC’s intention? This was deliberately meant to create prejudice in the eyes of the public,” he claimed.

“I wish to inform Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Azam that they have underestimated my determination in this struggle. I will not give up,” he said, adding that he considers himself a victim and whistleblower in several scandals involving influential figures.

Tei also questioned why prominent individuals, including former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, were not made to wear similar attire, alleging double standards in enforcement.

He claimed the MACC had effectively passed judgment before a court decision and challenged the agency to explain the legal basis for the practice, as well as to disclose statistics on those made to wear orange lock-up attire and later acquitted.