KOTA KINABALU – Two state assemblymen and a businessman have claimed trial to bribery charges involving the approval of mineral prospecting licences in Sabah last year.
Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof @ Josree Yacob, Tanjung Batu assemblyman Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, and businessman Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing appeared separately before Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga on Monday, where the charges were read out to them, local media reported.
Dr Yusof, 69, who chairs Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, is accused of accepting RM200,000 in cash from Tei as an inducement to assist with the processing of a mineral exploration licence.
The alleged offence took place at a hotel restaurant in Kota Kinabalu at 2pm on March 6, 2023.
Andi Muhammad, 44, who is also the Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship and the MP for Kalabakan, was charged with receiving RM150,000 in cash from Tei for similar purposes.
The alleged incident occurred outside his residence at Jalan Pantai Sembulan around 11pm on May 12, 2023.
Tei, 36, also known as Albert Tei, faces two counts of offering bribes to the two politicians at the said locations and times.
All three pleaded not guilty.
The charges against Dr Yusof and Andi Muhammad fall under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act. Tei is charged under Section 16(b)(A), also punishable under Section 24(1).
Each of the lawmakers was granted bail of RM50,000 with a RM10,000 deposit and one local surety. They were also ordered to report to the MACC every two months, surrender their passports, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses.
Tei was allowed bail of RM50,000 with a RM10,000 deposit for the first charge, and RM60,000 with a RM15,000 deposit for the second. He also agreed to similar bail conditions as the co-accused.
The court fixed August 5 for case management.
Dr Yusof and Andi Muhammad were represented by a team of lawyers including Datuk Ram Singh, Rizwandean Bukhary M Borhan, Shahlan Jufri, Elhanan James, Datin Jaharah Patinbangi, and Prem Elmer Ganasan.
Tei was represented by Edward Paul, Bartholomew Jingulam and Jul Hamri Junhani.
Deputy public prosecutors Rustam Sanip and Nurul Izzati Sapifiee appeared for the prosecution. – June 30, 2025