Former MACC chief Azam Baki to file defamation suit against businessman Albert Tei next week

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said he will file a defamation suit against businessman Albert Tei next week, following allegations that he threatened and attempted to prevent the disclosure of claims linked to the Sabah corruption scandal.

Azam told Astro Awani today that the legal action was intended to defend his reputation and that of the anti-graft agency, while ensuring the public was made aware of the facts surrounding the matter.

“The public needs to know the facts. That is why I am taking legal action immediately through my lawyers,” he said.

According to Azam, his lawyers are preparing the necessary documents and the suit is expected to be filed on Wednesday.

He also rejected Tei’s allegations, saying he had never spoken to, met or had any dealings with the businessman.

“I have never spoken to him. I have never met him. I do not know what is meant by the allegations that have been made,” he reportedly said.

Azam added that even his legal representatives had never dealt with Tei, describing the claims as an attempt to mislead the public and damage the reputations of both himself and the MACC.

The dispute follows a police report lodged by Tei at the Putrajaya district police headquarters, in which he alleged that Azam had threatened him and sought to stop him from exposing the Sabah corruption scandal in November 2024.

Tei claimed in the report that he possessed documentary evidence relating to the alleged incident, including a list of individuals who were aware of it.