Police officers flooded the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex early this morning as three men walked inside to face serious corruption charges. The dramatic scene unfolded when two state politicians and one businessman arrived separately to answer questions about a major mining scandal that has shaken Sabah politics. Security forces started gathering at 7.30am, with dozens of uniformed and plainclothes officers controlling crowds of supporters and reporters. The courtroom packed quickly as people tried to get seats for what many consider the biggest political trial in recent memory. Media crews and curious onlookers filled every available space outside the building.
The three accused men are Datuk Yusof Yacob from Sindumin, Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy from Tanjung Batu, and businessman Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing. Court officials rushed them straight into the courtroom to avoid the waiting crowds and cameras. Both politicians work as state assemblymen, with Andi also serving as an assistant minister. Their legal teams include well-known lawyers Shahlan Jufri, Ridwandean Borhan, and senior counsel Datuk Ram Singh. Edward Paul represents the businessman during these proceedings.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigators believe all three men gave and received bribes related to mining licenses between 2023 and 2024. The charges fall under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, covering both giving and receiving illegal payments. MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed arrests happened on June 18 and June 23 for amounts totaling around RM350,000. The businessman paid RM100,000 bail with two people backing him up. Both assemblymen each paid RM50,000 bail with one person supporting them.
The three accused men are Datuk Yusof Yacob from Sindumin, Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy from Tanjung Batu, and businessman Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing. Court officials rushed them straight into the courtroom to avoid the waiting crowds and cameras. Both politicians work as state assemblymen, with Andi also serving as an assistant minister. Their legal teams include well-known lawyers Shahlan Jufri, Ridwandean Borhan, and senior counsel Datuk Ram Singh. Edward Paul represents the businessman during these proceedings.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigators believe all three men gave and received bribes related to mining licenses between 2023 and 2024. The charges fall under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, covering both giving and receiving illegal payments. MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed arrests happened on June 18 and June 23 for amounts totaling around RM350,000. The businessman paid RM100,000 bail with two people backing him up. Both assemblymen each paid RM50,000 bail with one person supporting them.
