Albert Tei denies defaming Azam Baki

Malaysian businessman Albert Tei has refuted accusations of defamation leveled against him by former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki. Tei's defence, filed in the Shah Alam High Court, asserts that Baki's claims are false and malicious. The dispute centers around Tei's statements made in a podcast and subsequent online posts in May, which Azam alleges accused him of manipulating MACC investigations, acting as an intermediary in a Sabah corruption case, abusing his position to protect politicians, attempting to silence the businessman, and seeking compensation.

Azam seeks damages, a declaration that the statements are false, and a permanent injunction to prevent Tei from repeating them. Tei contends that Baki's assertions are selective and omit the context of a longer podcast discussion. He argues that his remarks were either substantiated by fact or constituted fair comment and honest opinion on matters of public interest.

Tei specifically denies allegations that he controlled MACC investigations, colluded with politicians, obstructed justice, and abused his position. He maintains that the allegations stemmed from documented events involving Azam and his legal counsel related to suspected corruption in Sabah's mineral-mining licensing. Tei also contests that his comments caused significant reputational harm, despite previous criticism of Azam.

His legal team argues that Tei's actions do not violate freedom of speech under the Malaysian constitution and that the injunction would impede public scrutiny of senior officials.