THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will once again question former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob this Wednesday as part of its investigation into a corruption and money laundering case.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed today that Ismail Sabri is considered a suspect in the ongoing probe.
"I can confirm that he (Ismail Sabri) is a suspect in this case. Firstly, under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009, he was required to declare his assets," Azam said during a press conference today.
"Secondly, when we discovered certain sums of money and linked him to the case, we needed to obtain an explanation from him regarding the findings," he added.
Yesterday, MACC revealed that Ismail Sabri is under investigation for corruption and money laundering, with the focus of the inquiry on the expenditure and fund procurement related to promotion and publicity during his tenure as Prime Minister.
MACC has reportedly seized approximately RM170 million in various foreign currencies, including the Thai Baht, Riyal, Pound Sterling, Won, Euro, Swiss Franc, and Yuan. In addition, 16 kg of pure gold bullion, valued at around RM7 million, was confiscated.
Azam Baki confirmed that statements have been recorded from 31 individuals, and 13 bank accounts, holding approximately RM2 million, have been frozen. He clarified that neither former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri’s accounts nor the Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia account were affected by the action.
"The investigation is ongoing, and we are acting based on new information we've received," Azam said. "It is standard practice at MACC to conduct thorough investigations, and we will call more witnesses as needed."
The investigation, which falls under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, is focused not only on the project at hand but also on identifying anyone who may have benefited from the situation, particularly in relation to corruption and abuse of power.
Azam revealed that the seized cash and gold were found inside three safes in a condominium, which is believed to have been used as a 'safe house.'
He added the unit was leased from an individual and may have been managed by one of the suspects. - March 3, 2025
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