Kota Kinabalu: National Council of Befrienders Malaysia President Jessie Ting said the organisation does not comment on individual cases or make public assessments of anyone’s condition.
She made the statement in response to political activist Lau Seng Kiat, who suggested that Befrienders provide counselling to businessman Albert Tei, who threatened to jump off the Petronas Twin Towers.
“Befrienders Malaysia is non-political, non-religious, and non-judgmental, providing emotional support to anyone experiencing distress, despair, or suicidal thoughts, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“Our volunteers are trained to listen with empathy and confidentiality, without offering advice, diagnosis, or opinions on any person’s mental state or political matters,” Ting said.
She also reminded the public and media that references to suicide or mental health crises should be handled sensitively, in line with media guidelines to prevent stigma and potential harm.
“If anyone feels overwhelmed or hopeless, we encourage them to reach out for help — to Befrienders, trusted friends or family, and mental health professionals,” she added.
For the record, Albert Tei was seen in a TikTok video standing in front of the Twin Towers, threatening suicide over allegations of political donations and mining licences.
Tei claimed the money he allegedly gave to politicians to influence Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor could be verified through party accounts, and challenged the State Government to prove the connection of certain companies to him.
Earlier, Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdat also urged authorities to take Tei’s threat seriously.
