Is Albert A Terrorist Hanipa Questions Heavy Handed Macc Raid

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Former deputy law minister Hanipa Maidin criticised MACC’s full tactical gear raid on the residence of businessperson Albert Tei this morning.
In a statement, he questioned if such a “heavy-handed” tactic was necessary, especially after Tei’s lawyer had fixed a date for the businessperson to appear before the anti-graft body.
“I am not going to dispute that the MACC has the necessary powers to investigate any allegation of corruption…
“Nonetheless, was it really necessary for MACC to resort to this heavy-handed tactic?
“After all, it was reported that Tei’s counsel had already fixed a date to record Tei’s statement on Monday.
“Is Tei a hardcore terrorist?” Hanipa asked.
The former Amanah MP was responding to reports about MACC’s raid on Tei’s home in Puchong, Selangor, which saw a group of officers in bulletproof vests and balaclavas force their way in and arrest the businessperson.
Based on videos shared with Malaysiakini and accounts of Tei’s lawyer and wife, the raiding party had put Tei in handcuffs and allegedly pointed a pistol at him.
They then took him away in an unmarked black sedan, only to return to the house minutes later, where the officers allegedly used equipment to scan the residence in what Tei’s wife believed was an attempt to detect hidden cameras.
MACC issues denial
MACC has dismissed the allegation, claiming Tei's wife was slandering its officers, and they have lodged a police report on the matter.
In a statement, its chief commissioner, Azam Baki, claimed that the arrest was carried out in accordance with established procedures.
"A police report has been lodged today to enable the relevant authorities to investigate the slander made against the MACC officers involved.
"The police report is also to ensure that no parties disseminate any unverified information, possibly with the intention of disrupting the investigation currently being undertaken by MACC," he said.
‘Crazy era’ of unchecked power
Adding further, Hanipa said the raid reminded him of the “old days” when Pakatan Harapan leaders were subjected to similar treatment by the authorities.
“Never imagine this kind of sad incident would recur when the country is being ruled by a Harapan-led government.
“To our chagrin, it happens again under Madani,” Hanipa said.
The incident also caught the attention of PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad, who sarcastically branded it a “joke” as polling day for the 17th Sabah election is tomorrow.
Former minister Idris AhmadIdris, who was a religious affairs minister, claimed there is a growing disappointment among the public, including Harapan supporters.
“This is no longer ‘zaman edan’ (crazy era), where you can just do whatever you please.
“The rakyat has become more intelligent. They are not living in the Stone Age.
“Those who (supported) the 1998 Reformasi (movement) are disappointed. So are the professionals who used to be Harapan’s biggest pool of supporters.
“The Chinese, too, are disappointed. The Malays have rejected (Harapan), now the number is increasing,” he said.
Against natural justice
Meanwhile, former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said the action taken by the authorities today does not augur well for the Madani government, which promised reforms and respect for the rule of law.
The actions, he added, are an affront to the spirit of natural justice.
Former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker“He (Tei) had already been scheduled to meet MACC officers next week, but you now seem to have decided that he is guilty of a crime,” said Ti.
He told Malaysiakini that democratic progress and reforms made since the premiership of the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his successors seem to be regressing under the current administration.
“The people are placing their hope on promises of good governance and faith in the government’s pledges to embark on reforms and uphold the rule of law and the spirit of natural justice.
“But the perception among the public now is that MACC is being weaponised to silence whistleblowers,” he added.
Ti noted that when MACC made a premature remark by saying they would investigate the “tohmahan” (slurs) by Tei, they had already prejudged the matter by saying the allegations levelled were false.
He was referring to a Bernama report yesterday, where an MACC officer described Tei’s allegations against the commission’s chief, Azam Baki, as “tohmahan” when lodging a police report.
‘Govt must explain to prevent misunderstanding’
In another statement, Selangor Bersatu Youth urged the federal government to explain the raid on Tei’s residence.
In condemning the action, its chief Afiq Nardin said the law must be upheld in a transparent and prudent manner, as any action that is laced with intimidation or unnecessary force would only erode public trust in the MACC and the country’s justice system.
“Thus, Selangor Bersatu Youth urges the government to provide an explanation regarding this arrest operation.
“A clear explanation is needed to avoid confusion and ensure that the rakyat would not misunderstand it as a form of power abuse or motivated by other interests outside the legal scope,” he said. - Mkini

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