Businessman sues MACC over orange lock-up T-shirt

KUALA LUMPUR - Controversial businessman Albert Tei has taken legal action against the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the orange lock-up T-shirt he was made to wear while in detention.

In an originating summons filed through Messrs Abd Halim Ushah & Associates yesterday, Tei seeks a court declaration that the use of the orange T-shirt, which bears the words “Lokap SPRM”, is void, unlawful, unconstitutional and in breach of Article 5(1) and Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution.

Tei has named MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, the MACC and the government as the first, second and third defendants.

According to his supporting affidavit, Tei, 38, was arrested by the MACC on Nov 28, 2025, and taken to its headquarters in Putrajaya. On the same day, at about 8 pm, he was asked to change into the orange lock-up T-shirt.

“On Nov 29, 2025, I was taken to the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court for remand proceedings. I was instructed by MACC officers to wear the same clothes throughout the journey from MACC headquarters to the court complex.

“As I arrived at the court building, I was escorted by MACC officers. At the same time, many newsmen, press photographers and unidentified individuals were present. Photos and videos were taken of me in the T-shirt, which affected my image as though I was guilty despite not being charged with any offence,” Tei stated in his affidavit.

He claimed to have suffered mental distress from being humiliated by wearing the T-shirt.

Besides the court declaration, Tei is also seeking general damages for his detention period between Nov 29, 2025, and Dec 4, 2025.

In December last year, Tei was charged in court for graft alongside former political secretary to the prime minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin. - THE STAR