THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced plans to summon eight additional witnesses to aid in its ongoing investigation into the recent detention of four senior officials associated with former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
This follows last week's high-profile arrests, which have raised further questions regarding alleged corruption and money laundering activities, Sinar Harian reported today.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that these witnesses would be called to testify in the coming days, with the first set of individuals to be summoned this week, and others in the following week.
“We will be calling eight witnesses in total, starting this week and continuing into next week,” Azam said during a briefing on Thursday.
In addition to witness testimonies, Azam revealed that the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Division (AMLA) is currently scrutinizing documents seized during the investigation.
“The investigation is being carried out under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA),” he stated, adding that MACC is working diligently to piece together the complex financial details surrounding the case.
When questioned about whether former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, or any high-profile individuals, might be summoned for questioning, Azam declined to provide specifics.
He explained that the investigation is still ongoing, and MACC is unable to predict when it will reach completion.
Sinar Harian reported that sources close to the investigation, however, have suggested that there is a possibility that Ismail Sabri may be called in for questioning, depending on his health.
“As of now, the former Prime Minister is still receiving medical treatment at a hospital,” a source close to SPRM revealed. “He will be summoned by MACC as soon as his health permits.”
In the meantime, SPRM’s investigation continues to make significant progress, with several assets and cash found at the homes of former aides to Ismail Sabri.
These assets have since been seized by the agency as part of the probe.
The arrests, which took place on February 18, involved three individuals with ties to the former Prime Minister, all of whom were granted bail, while a fourth individual was released on Sunday.
On Tuesday, two individuals holding the title of ‘Datuk’ were among those arrested as part of the same investigation into allegations of corruption and money laundering.
Alongside them, a foundation executive and a female assistant to one of the former senior aides were also detained by the anti-corruption agency.
These arrests were made under Section 16a of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
Sources have confirmed that SPRM is investigating several cases, one of which involves the spending of RM700 million of government funds intended for promotional and publicity purposes.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain tight-lipped about potential developments, though they are determined to uncover the full extent of any wrongdoing tied to high-ranking officials within the previous administration. – February 27. 2025
