MACC detained Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s former senior political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, and businessman Albert Tei yesterday after Tei claimed he bribed Shamsul to recover funds that were allegedly distributed to Sabah assemblymen.

The duo were remanded for six days today, with Azam stating that they are being investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act, which covers the offences of soliciting, offering, accepting or giving bribes.

“I have instructed all investigating officers to remain focused and complete the investigation within one week,” said Azam, emphasising that the probe must be conducted fairly and strictly in accordance with the law.

An MACC source said magistrate Fatin Muneerah Sofian granted the six-day remand order despite objections from lawyers representing the two men after agreeing that MACC needed adequate time to conduct a thorough investigation.