KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the former senior political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, following his questioning over a graft scandal.
MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed this in a TikTok video, reported Malaysiakini.
“I would like to stress that this case is of public interest, and based on that factor, the MACC carried out investigations quickly so the case will not be manipulated by any quarters,” he said.
Aside from Shamsul, Azam also confirmed the arrest of businessman Albert Tei and a woman named Sofia Rini Buyong, who allegedly acted as a proxy for Shamsul.
According to Azam, Sofia was arrested last night at 10.30pm while having her statement recorded at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, while Shamsul was detained at the same place, at 12.51pm today.
“The MACC will investigate this case fairly and professionally, according to provisions in law,” he added.
MACC is expected to obtain for remand for Shamsul and Tei at the Putrajaya magistrate’s court tomorrow morning.
Shamsul resigned as Anwar’s political secretary earlier this week, following a controversy over a letter of support for contractors involved in a hospital project.
He also allegedly got Tei to spend RM629,000 for him, including for property renovation work, as well as for premium cigars and a bespoke suit.
In June, Tei was charged with two counts of bribing Sabah state assembly members in connection with a mineral licensing scandal in the state.– November 28, 2025