KUALA LUMPUR: The health status of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob remains uncertain as his medical leave ends on Wednesday (March 12) and the doctor treating him has not confirmed whether he is fit enough to provide a statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Malay language daily Sinar Harian reports.
Citing sources, Sinar Harian also reported that the MACC had previously recorded the doctor's statement to assist in the investigation.
"The doctor's recorded statement indicated that he could not confirm the health status of Ismail Sabri after his medical leave ends tomorrow.
"If he is healthy, the MACC can take his statement," the source told Sinar Harian on Tuesday (March 11).
Additionally, the source revealed that 13 bank accounts estimated to be worth RM9.33mil have been frozen to aid the investigation.
Previously, the MACC recorded statements from 36 individuals in connection with corruption and money laundering cases linked to the 9th prime minister.
According to sources, 32 witnesses and four former officers of Ismail Sabri have had their statements recorded as of Monday (March 10).
"Meanwhile, 23 new witnesses will be called up soon to have their statements recorded," the source added.
On Friday (March 7), MACC investigators interviewed a doctor, who holds the title Datuk, at a hospital in Petaling Jaya treating Ismail Sabri to assess his health condition.
Ismail Sabri was supposed to provide a statement at the MACC headquarters last Friday but did not do so, reportedly due to ongoing health issues.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had then said that the statement recording process had been postponed to Wednesday as Ismail Sabri was still on medical leave.
On Feb 10, Ismail Sabri had submitted asset declaration information before his statement was initially scheduled to be recorded on Feb 19.
The investigation is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
In related developments, the MACC has seized approximately RM170mil in cash across various international currencies, including Baht, Riyal, Pound Sterling, Won, Euro, Swiss Franc, and Yuan.
Additionally, 16kg of gold bars estimated to be worth RM7mil have also been seized.
