Baju lokap, tangan Tei bergari ikut prosedur, kata bekas ketua SPRM

Former SPRM chief Azam Baki has defended the agency's decision to make businessman Albert Tei wear a white robe and handcuffs, stating it is in line with the rules governing the detention procedure. The former chief said the action is not intended as punishment but is governed by SPRM Regulation 2/2020 on the use of robes and handcuffs.

Azam stated that legal counsel has informed him that the regulation does not violate Article 5(1) of the Constitution, which protects personal liberty, as the action is not punitive and does not imply guilt. He said the complaint against Tei filed with the High Court in January is appealing the SPRM's action, even though he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Tei is seeking damages and an apology, claiming SPRM's actions, including forcing him to wear a white robe and handcuffs, are unlawful and not in line with the Constitution. Azam denies Tei's allegations that wearing the robe violates Article 8(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees legal aid. Azam also denies Tei's claims that SPRM's use of the robe was unfair, arguing that the agency used the required procedure to locate Tei on November 26 last year.

Azam said the first attempt failed when a woman, introducing herself as Tei's housekeeper, informed agents that Tei was not at home. He said the agency later received a phone call from Mahajoth Singh, Tei's lawyer, who asked agents not to disturb his client's child. Azam denies Tei's allegations, except those admitted by him, stating that the legal counsel will present legal arguments during the hearing.

Azam stepped down in May after his contract expired, filing a complaint against Tei, which was dismissed with costs. Mahajoth informed FMT that the complaint was scheduled for hearing on October 26.