Three men walked into court and said they did nothing wrong. Two politicians from Sabah and one businessman face serious corruption charges about mining permits. Albert Tei allegedly paid both lawmakers huge amounts of cash to help his companies get special licenses. The court heard how these secret deals happened at fancy hotels and private homes. Judge Jason Juga listened as prosecutors read out each charge against the accused men.
Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy works as an assistant minister and represents Tanjung Batu. He allegedly took 150,000 ringgit from Tei at his house last May. The money was supposed to help Syarikat Sinaran Hayat get a mining license. Prosecutors say this illegal payment happened on Jalan Pantai Sembulan near government offices. Andi could face up to twenty years behind bars if found guilty.
Yusof Yacob chairs Qhazanah Sabah and serves as the Sindumin assemblyman. He allegedly accepted 200,000 ringgit from the same businessman at a rooftop bar. The Hilton Hotel meeting took place back in March 2023 according to court papers. This bribe was meant to secure permits for another company called Syarikat Nusa Kini. Yusof also denied all wrongdoing when charges were read out.
Albert Tei faces two separate bribery counts for allegedly paying both politicians. The Selangor businessman has worked in Sabah for many years. He pleaded not guilty to offering cash payments to government officials. Teams of lawyers represented all three defendants during the court hearing. The case returns to court on August 5 for more legal preparations.
Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy works as an assistant minister and represents Tanjung Batu. He allegedly took 150,000 ringgit from Tei at his house last May. The money was supposed to help Syarikat Sinaran Hayat get a mining license. Prosecutors say this illegal payment happened on Jalan Pantai Sembulan near government offices. Andi could face up to twenty years behind bars if found guilty.
Yusof Yacob chairs Qhazanah Sabah and serves as the Sindumin assemblyman. He allegedly accepted 200,000 ringgit from the same businessman at a rooftop bar. The Hilton Hotel meeting took place back in March 2023 according to court papers. This bribe was meant to secure permits for another company called Syarikat Nusa Kini. Yusof also denied all wrongdoing when charges were read out.
Albert Tei faces two separate bribery counts for allegedly paying both politicians. The Selangor businessman has worked in Sabah for many years. He pleaded not guilty to offering cash payments to government officials. Teams of lawyers represented all three defendants during the court hearing. The case returns to court on August 5 for more legal preparations.
