Former MACC chief Azam Baki files defamation suit against Albert Tei after intimidation probe ends

Tan Sri Azam Baki, who retired as chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in May 2026 after nearly 40 years of public service, filed a defamation lawsuit against businessman Albert Tei over statements published online, including podcasts and YouTube Shorts ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}.

The suit, filed at the Shah Alam High Court on June 8 or June 9, requests damages and a permanent injunction against Tei to stop further defamatory publications ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}. The statements were alleged to be false and harmful to Azam's reputation built over nearly four decades in public service, five of which were spent leading the MACC ^{[1, 3, 4, 5]}.

Albert Tei had earlier lodged a police report on May 13 alleging that Azam or his associates criminally intimidated him while he attempted to expose corruption among Sabah politicians ^{[6, 3, 4, 5]}. The police opened an investigation under Section 506 of the Penal Code and Azam gave his statement on June 3 at Bukit Aman police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur ^{[3, 7, 4, 5]}.

On June 4, police submitted investigation papers on two cases involving Azam, including the intimidation complaint, to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) ^{[7, 8]}. On June 10, the AGC classified the intimidation investigation as ‘No Further Action’ (NFA), concluding that the offence elements could not be established ^{[6, 9, 10, 7, 8]}.

Azam expressed relief after the decision, saying, "I am grateful that the truth has finally prevailed," and maintained that the allegations were baseless and inconsistent with facts obtained by authorities ^[11]. His legal representatives said he aimed to vindicate his reputation through the defamation suit, emphasizing the long public service record he has built ^{[1, 5]}. Azam also urged others not to fear allegations or attacks from parties with vested interests ^[11].

The next legal step is the ongoing defamation suit now proceeding at the Shah Alam High Court, where Azam seeks damages and an injunction against Albert Tei to prevent further defamatory statements ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}.