Main Article

On 27 August 2025, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) filed a police report against MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, accusing the agency of failing to act decisively on Sabah’s high-profile mining graft scandal. Acting Muda president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz, backed by Lawyers for Liberty director Zaid Malek, submitted the report at Dang Wangi police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Amira criticised MACC’s response to the case, questioning whether the agency practised selective prosecution and left key figures “untouched”. She highlighted that MACC had received videos and documents supporting allegations by businessman Albert Tei, who claims to have submitted substantial evidence of illegal payments over mineral prospecting licences. Amira contended that Azam’s silence and lack of action on Tei’s complaint constituted a betrayal of MACC’s responsibilities.

Lawyers for Liberty director Zaid Malek stated the report was filed under Section 217 of the Penal Code, relating to failure by a public servant to discharge his duties, and cited Sections 7 and 11 of the MACC Act mandating the agency to investigate all reported corruption. Zaid stressed MACC’s obligation to act on the material submitted by Tei.

The Sabah mining scandal surfaced in 2024 after videos circulated allegedly depicting bribery and misconduct among politicians and officials during mineral exploration negotiations. Two politicians—Andi Suryady Bandy and Dr Yusof Yacob—are currently facing trial for receiving bribes totalling RM350,000, while Tei stands accused of offering the payments. MACC has maintained that Tei does not qualify for whistleblower protection as he was allegedly complicit in the offences reported.

Background / Related Cases

The Sabah mining graft case is among several high-profile incidents in recent years involving allegations of bribery in resource management and political administration. Past investigations have frequently been met with challenges related to evidence credibility, whistleblower safety, and claims of political interference.

Albert Tei’s role as whistleblower has drawn particular attention to Malaysia’s Whistleblower Protection Act, which critics argue is inadequate for those implicated in the wrongdoing being reported. Previous cases including the 2023 Kinabalu Move and pending lawsuits by Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd have underscored the complexity and persistence of corruption in Sabah.

MACC and Chief Commissioner Azam Baki have faced mounting pressure from civil society and opposition figures demanding accountability and transparency in anti-corruption enforcement, particularly where high-ranking officials are involved.

Sources / Reference

• Main Article: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/08/27/muda-files-report-against-azam-baki-over-sabah-graft-inaction

• Supplemental: Background context from previous Sabah mining scandal, MACC statements, legal references, and related court proceedings​