Azam: Tei's lock-up attire, handcuffs complied with MACC procedures
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki maintained that requiring businessman Albert Tei to wear lock-up attire and handcuffs complied with prescribed procedures and was not unconstitutional.
Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki has argued that requiring businessman Albert Tei to wear lock-up attire and handcuffs during his court remand process adhered to MACC procedures and was not unconstitutional. Retiring in May, Azam stated the requirement was governed by MACC Chief Commissioner's Directive No. 2/2020, which mandated detainees to wear MACC lock-up clothing during investigations and court proceedings, including remand hearings where handcuffs are mandatory.
Azam clarified that the rule applied to all detainees and was not selectively imposed on Tei, who was taken to five locations for searches following a remand order on November 30, 2025. He maintained that the MACC was not liable for media coverage of Tei in lock-up attire, asserting the directive complied with the law and did not contravene constitutional provisions on personal liberty and equality.
Tei's legal team, however, contends the suit against MACC, Azam, and the government should be heard, questioning the double standards in enforcing the attire on prominent individuals and demanding explanations and statistics on the application of the rule.
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