• Former senior aide to PM Anwar Ibrahim detained over bribery allegations.
• A businessman, Albert Tei, also arrested as a key figure in the investigation.
• The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission aims for swift legal proceedings.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detained Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, a former senior aide to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, amidst ongoing bribery investigations on Friday, November 28. This incident occurs just before crucial state elections in Sabah, where incumbents are facing significant challenges. The MACC's Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki, confirmed that Shamsul, who recently resigned, and businessman Albert Tei were both questioned and arrested as part of an expansive corruption probe surrounding mining projects in the area, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

During the investigation, Azam stated that the MACC planned to seek a court order to extend Shamsul's detention beyond the initial 24 hours permitted for questioning. He mentioned, “I have instructed my officers to complete the investigation within this week so that it can be submitted to the attorney-general’s chambers for a swift decision,” reflecting the urgency of the matter amid the political stakes involved, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

Shamsul has publicly described the allegations against him as part of an orchestrated attempt to discredit the government and has vowed to fight back against the accusations. Meanwhile, Albert Tei’s involvement has escalated the situation, as he claimed to have funneled substantial funds to Shamsul for perceived political favor, further complicating the investigative landscape, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.