PUTRAJAYA: The recording of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters over allegations of corruption and money laundering has been postponed to Wednesday (March 19).
According to MACC sources, Ismail Sabri was unable to attend the statement recording session on Tuesday (March 18) which has to be postponed.
"Changed to tomorrow. The time has not been set," he said briefly without giving the reason for Ismail Sabri's inability to attend.
Media practitioners began camping outside MACC as early as 9am to follow the developments of Ismail Sabri who was supposed to be present at the MACC to give his statement for the fifth time.
The MACC investigation into Ismail Sabri began on December 11, 2024 when he was ordered to declare his assets. He officially submitted his asset declaration on February 10 and subsequently appeared at the MACC to give his statement on February 19.
ALSO READ: Ismail Sabri arrives at MACC HQ for another round of questioning
Since then, he has been called several times to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Last week, he was present for five hours on March 13, almost six hours the next day and seven hours yesterday.
The investigation into the case focused on the expenditure and acquisition of funds for the promotion and publicity of the Keluarga Malaysia programme during Ismail Sabri's tenure from August 2021 to November 2022.
On Monday (March 17), MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was reported to have said that several new files had been opened in relation to the investigation into Ismail Sabri.
ALSO READ: Ismail Sabri returns to MACC to continue recording statement
This was following the latest information and intelligence from his party, with many more matters to be submitted to Ismail Sabri.
Azam also said that the investigation was being conducted in relation to corruption, abuse of power and money laundering.
According to Azam, the investigation is not only opening the original file related to the Malaysian Family issue but is also based on the latest information or 'new list' and also MACC intelligence.
The case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 and the Prevention of Money Laundering, Prevention of Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
On March 3, Azam was reported to have said Ismail Sabri is a suspect in the investigation into the corruption and money laundering case, following the discovery of about RM170mil in cash in various currencies and 16 kilogrammes of gold bars in a safe house, as a result of a raid by the MACC. - Bernama
