Sabah reps, businessman claim trial to graft charges over mineral licence deals

TWO Sabah lawmakers and a businessman pleaded not guilty to corruption charges linked to alleged bribes involving mineral prospecting licences — the latest scandal to cast a shadow over the state’s political and business elite.

Tanjung Batu assemblyman and Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Assistant Minister Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy is accused of receiving RM150,000 in cash from Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing, better known as Albert Tei, to facilitate a licence application for Syarikat Sinaran Hayat Sdn Bhd.

The alleged offence occurred on May 12 last year at Andi’s home in Jalan Pantai Sembulan, a short drive from the state administrative centre.

He was charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act — an offence that carries up to 20 years’ jail and a hefty fine upon conviction.

Also hauled to court was Sindumin assemblyman and Qhazanah Sabah chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, who faces a separate charge of accepting RM200,000 from Tei.

The transaction was said to have taken place at a rooftop bar of the Hilton Hotel in Kota Kinabalu on March 6, 2023, and allegedly tied to another prospecting licence application — this time for Syarikat Nusa Kini Sdn Bhd.

Tei, a businessman based in Selangor with longstanding dealings in Sabah, was charged with two counts of bribery for the alleged offers made to both assemblymen. He, too, pleaded not guilty.

The three appeared calm in the dock as the charges were read out before Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga.

Bail was set at RM50,000 each for the assemblymen, with RM10,000 to be deposited and two local sureties required. Tei was granted bail of RM60,000 for both charges, with RM15,000 to be deposited.

The case will return to court on August 5 for pre-trial case management.

Outside the courtroom, supporters of both politicians filled the public gallery and corridors, with security personnel deployed to maintain order in anticipation of the high-profile hearing.

The prosecution was led by MACC Deputy Public Prosecutors Nurul Izzati Sapifee, Rustam Sanip, and Prosecuting Officer Rekhraj Singh.

Lawyers Datuk Ram Singh, Rizwandean Bukhary M. Borhan, Shahlan Jufri, and Datin Jaharah Patimbangi represented the two assemblymen.

Meanwhile, Tei was represented by Edward Paul, Batholomew Jingulam, and Jul Hamri Jumhani. – June 30, 2025