Ex-Political Secretary Faces Court for Alleged Corruption

Shamsul Iskandar being escorted by MACC officers as they arrive at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court. Image courtesy of Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 — Former senior political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, pleaded not guilty today to four corruption charges under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act. The charges allege he received RM176,000 in bribes from businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing.

According to the charges, the bribes included RM140,000 in cash and over RM36,000 in furniture and electrical appliances. They were allegedly given to influence Shamsul Iskandar to assist Tei’s companies in obtaining mineral mining licences in Sabah.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM10,000 or five times the value of the bribes, whichever is higher.

Sessions Court Judge Suzana Hussin set bail at RM150,000 with two Malaysian sureties and ordered that Shamsul Iskandar surrender his passport to the court. The case continues under investigation according to the MACC Act.