Lock-up attire, handcuffs for Tei were procedural, says ex-MACC chief

Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki defended the agency's decision to make businessman Albert Tei wear its orange lock-up attire and handcuffs, stating the measures were procedural and not punitive. Azam referenced MACC Chief Commissioner's Directive No. 2/2020, which governs the use of lock-up clothing and handcuffs.

Federal counsel had assured him that the directive complied with Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution, which protects personal liberty, as the measures were not intended to establish guilt. Tei had filed a suit in January, challenging MACC's actions without a conviction, seeking general damages and declarations that the agency's conduct was invalid and unconstitutional.

Azam rejected Tei's claim that the lock-up attire violated Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. He argued that the attire was used in accordance with detention procedure laws and that Tei did not adequately explain how the act breached the constitutional provision. Azam also detailed MACC's attempts to communicate with Tei on November 26, 2022, which were unsuccessful due to Tei not being home and Tei's lawyer refusing the team's request to meet.

Azam, who resigned from his post on May 12, 2023, is seeking the dismissal of Tei's originating summons with costs. Tei's case is scheduled for hearing on October 26.