Businessman Datuk Albert Tei Jiann Cheing will face trial in April next year over allegations that he offered RM350,000 in bribes to two former Sabah assemblymen in connection with mineral exploration licence applications.
During pre-trial case management today, Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus fixed the trial dates for April 20 to 24, 2026. The court was informed that about 15 witnesses are expected to testify.
MACC prosecuting officer Dzulkarnain Rousan Hasbi, who is taking over the case, submitted additional documents — including two CDs — to the defence team.
Defence counsel Edward Paul, assisted by lawyers Bartholomew Jinggulam and Jul Hamri, raised no objections, allowing the court to finalise the dates.
Tei, 37, was present.
Tei had earlier pleaded not guilty on June 30 last year to two charges:
• RM200,000 allegedly given to former Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob on March 6, 2023 at a Hilton hotel, purportedly to expedite a mining licence application for Nusa Kini Sdn Bhd.
• RM150,000 allegedly given to former Tanjung Batu assemblyman Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy at 11pm on May 12, 2023 at his residence in Sembulan, to facilitate a mineral prospecting licence for Sinaran Hayat Sdn Bhd.
Both companies are believed to be owned by Tei’s business partners.
