THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recovered more than RM100 million in cash during a raid on the home of an aide of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
According to a source, the money was found in several large bags and safes in several rooms of the residences.
Also seized were important documents, jewellery and electronic devices which will be used to assist investigations.
The raid, revealed a source, was conducted following several months of investigations and surveillance.
"We are now probing the source of the money and whether it is linked to any illegal activities," revealed the source.
It was reported yesterday that two individuals with the title 'Datuk' were among four of Ismail Sabri's senior officers arrested by MACC.
The four were arrested to assist in further investigations into several cases linked to corruption during Ismail Sabri's administration.
Sources said the arrest was made by the MACC under Section 16a of the MACC Act and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
It was previously reported that a former prime minister and individuals who served as Ismail Sabri's aides during his tenure were among "no less than four individuals" that the MACC would call in for questioning over the matter.
The investigations were after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed in the Dewan Rakyat in November 2023 that RM700 million had been spent since 2020 to promote the government.
Malaysia had three prime ministers during the 2020-2022 period, namely Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who served from May 2018 up until February 2020, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from February 2020 to August 2021, and Ismail Sabri from August 2021 to November 2022.
Reports then circulated that the former prime minister was Ismail Sabri.
The MACC said one former prime minister would be called to assist the investigation which would centre on how government funds were spent, and which companies received the funding.
Anwar had said the bulk of the spending was handled by the Prime Minister’s Office for advertisements and media buys to promote government initiatives.
He said RM500 million was spent during Muhyiddn’s tenure, and that this included promoting the government’s Covid-19 initiatives.
He said the balance RM200 million was used during Ismail Sabri’s administration.
“This means that, on average, over RM300 million per year was expended on advertising, promotion and publicity to publicise the government’s efforts.
"I personally believe these breached rules and regulations, showing excessive spending,” Anwar was reported as saying at the time.
Ismail Sabri was admitted to a hospital in Kota Damansara after collapsing at home on Saturday morning.
His press secretary Azran Fitri Rahim said this was due to high blood pressure. He is now in stable condition. – February 24, 2025
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