PUTRAJAYA: The process of recording Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement to assist in the investigation into a corruption and money laundering case linked to the former prime minister will resume today at 10am.
The vehicle carrying the Bera MP was seen leaving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here at 4.30pm yesterday after he spent seven hours giving his statement.
According to an MACC source, the statement recording process took longer as investigators had to review various documents and obtain further statements.
The source said investigating officers required time to record Ismail Sabri’s statement on several key matters, including project approvals during his administration and his declared assets, Bernama reported.
The investigation focused on documents related to the procurement and expenditure of funds for government promotional and publicity activities during Ismail Sabri’s tenure from August 2021 to November 2022, the source added.
Ismail Sabri arrived at the MACC headquarters at 9.52am yesterday, marking his fourth visit to give his statement.
The case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
On March 3, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said Ismail Sabri is a suspect in the case, following the discovery of about RM170mil in various currencies and 16kg of gold bars in a safe house during a raid.
Another round of questions: Ismail Sabri arriving at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Previously, Ismail Sabri had given a statement to the MACC in January last year regarding the use of RM700mil for government publicity programmes during his administration.
On Feb 10 this year, he submitted his asset declaration before his statement was recorded on Feb 19.
Ismail Sabri was initially scheduled to appear on March 5 to provide his statement but was unable to do so due to health issues and was issued a medical certificate.
He resumed his statement with the MACC after his medical leave ended on March 12.
Earlier, the media reported that the MACC had recorded statements from 32 witnesses and detained four former aides of Ismail Sabri in connection with the investigation.
