Lfl Slams Macc For Summoning Lawyer Citing Intimidation And Breach Of Privilege

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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has ignited fierce criticism after summoning prominent lawyer Mahajoth Singh for questioning in its investigation into businessman Albert Tei, who was arrested alongside former Anwar Ibrahim aide Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin on bribery allegations.
Rights group Lawyers For Liberty (LFL) slammed the move as  unlawful and an act of blatant intimidation of a lawyer acting for his client.
LFL chairman Zaid Malek accused the MACC of trampling solicitor-client privilege and demanded Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki immediately withdraw the summons.
“The MACC’s statutory mandate is to investigate corruption. It is not to interrogate counsel,” Zaid said, warning that such actions erode public trust in the justice system.
The case centres on claims that Tei paid bribes to Shamsul Iskandar, the Hang Tuah Jaya MP, to recover funds allegedly channelled earlier to several Sabah assemblymen. Both men are currently under a six-day MACC remand.
Separately, MACC strongly denied allegations that its officers pointed a firearm at Tei’s head during the dawn raid on his home.
Azam Baki confirmed a police report had been lodged against those spreading the claim, describing it as slander intended to disrupt the probe. Tei’s wife, identified only as Lee, earlier alleged officers used excessive force and prevented the couple’s lawyer from meeting Tei.
The summons of Mahajoth Singh has revived calls for stronger legal safeguards and clearer boundaries on MACC powers when lawyer-client confidentiality is at stake. — Focus Malaysia

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