SHAH ALAM – A series of allegations, political pressure, leaked letters and conflicting accounts has turned the controversy involving former Senior Political Secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin into one of the most closely followed political episodes of late 2025.
The situation now includes criticism from Pandan Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s defence of Shamsul, Shamsul’s subsequent resignation, explosive financial accusations made by businessman Albert Tei, denials of political plots and an ongoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation.
This explainer outlines how the saga developed and why it has become significant.
Phase 1: The Hospital Support Letter and Rafizi’s Criticism
On Nov 20, Rafizi publicly revealed that Anwar’s Senior Political Secretary, Shamsul, had issued a 2024 support letter recommending six contractors for the Muar Hospital project.
Rafizi argued that the matter offered Anwar the perfect opportunity to prove his anti-corruption resolve, stating that simply reprimanding the action was insufficient.
“This is not the first time and I myself have raised similar complaints before. The Prime Minister said he would review it and after reviewing, he confirmed what I said was true, but until now, the senior political secretary is still there.
“Was there any reward exchanged? If it ends with only a stern reprimand but the person remains in the same position, no matter how strong the speech is, people will eventually stop taking it seriously,” he said.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad had earlier confirmed that the letter was genuine but emphasised that it had no directive force and did not influence any contract decisions.
Anwar’s Initial Response and Shamsul’s Resignation
On Nov 21, Anwar rejected Rafizi’s call for Shamsul’s removal while en route to South Africa, explaining that the support letter did not amount to an instruction.
“I indeed disagree with what he (the political secretary) did, but the question is whether the project was actually awarded based on his letter; the answer is no. We must not take harsh action against those we disagree with while being lenient towards those aligned with us,” he said.
Despite the Prime Minister's defence, Shamsul resigned as Senior Political Secretary on Nov 25 amid intensifying pressure.
“I have been made aware of attempts to undermine me through matters that could tarnish the image of the Madani government. As a result, I have decided to defend myself from these attacks,” he said in a statement.
Anwar accepted the resignation the following day, reaffirming that MACC had full freedom to investigate “without any external interference.”
Phase 2: Explosive Bribery Allegations
The controversy escalated dramatically when, on Nov 25, businessman Albert Tei, who is already charged in Sabah’s mining scandal, claimed he had given RM629,000 to Shamsul.
Tei alleged he had paid for a long list of luxury goods and services:
- Renovations and furnishings for two properties.
- Leather furniture, a dining table, a home theatre system.
- Appliances including a washing machine and dryer.
- A massage chair.
- Premium cigars.
- Custom-tailored suits, alongside receipts and Shamsul’s measurements.
Tei claimed their first meeting happened on Nov 8, 2023, at Jesselton Cigaro in Kota Kinabalu and alleged that he had been introduced to Shamsul by a woman acting as a proxy.
He also supplied dates of alleged cash exchanges and WhatsApp screenshots purportedly showing Shamsul requesting money while overseas.
Conflicting Accounts and Official Investigation
In a video released on Nov 26, Sofia Rini Buyong rejected Tei’s claims outright, calling them false and malicious.
“I categorically state that I am not Shamsul’s proxy,” she said, denying any money-related discussions and claiming Tei repeatedly tried to push his own narrative.
She lodged a police complaint, saying Tei’s allegations amounted to a “malicious conspiracy” aimed at toppling the government during Sabah’s election period.
On Nov 26, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the agency would call both Shamsul and Tei for statements.
“Allow MACC the space to conduct its investigation to collect statements and evidence related to these allegations,” he said, while urging the public not to speculate.
Later on Nov 26, Shamsul filed a police report in Sabah, denying allegations that he and the Prime Minister had instructed Tei to record conversations with Sabah politicians.
He described the claims as “a malicious conspiracy to tarnish the Prime Minister’s image and a coordinated effort to bring down the government undemocratically,” and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
Political Reactions and Significance
The investigation has drawn sharp political reactions:
- Perikatan Nasional (PN): Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin demanded Anwar be investigated, arguing the allegations suggested possible misuse of power by the Prime Minister himself to protect politicians in the Sabah mineral license corruption case in exchange for their support.
- PN chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan urged MACC to probe Shamsul immediately, warning that failure to act would “undo the government’s pledges” on integrity.
- DAP leaders insisted MACC must conduct a full and uncompromising investigation to maintain public confidence and uphold transparency.
As of Nov 26, the matter has evolved from a support-letter controversy into a large-scale corruption probe involving political influence, alleged payments and competing accusations of conspiracy.
MACC investigations are underway and both Shamsul and Tei will face formal questioning.
The unfolding inquiry is now shaping into one of the most significant political tests of the Madani government’s commitment to transparency, while also becoming a major point of contention in the national political landscape.