PUTRAJAYA: Although Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been called in for questioning nine times over the last two and a half months, investigations into corruption allegations against him have only reached 15% to 20%.
The former prime minister is expected to be called in again – for a 10th session – in two weeks, says Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki.
“He (Ismail Sabri) has been asked to prepare several documents. The probe is ongoing and, as I mentioned earlier, it concerns his asset declaration.
“Such investigations generally require time as the individual served with a notice has to explain the source of their assets, among others, and satisfy us as the issuing agency,” he told reporters after attending the South-East Asia Anti-Corruption Conference 2025: Recalling Jakarta Statement here yesterday.
Azam said it was essential to verify whether the declared assets were accurate, Bernama reported.
“If the declaration is found to be false or insufficient, further action can be taken,” he said.
The Bera MP is being investigated over alleged corruption and money laundering involving expenditure and procurement of funds for the promotion and publicity of the Keluarga Malaysia programme during his premiership from August 2021 to November 2022.
On March 3, Azam said Ismail Sabri was a suspect after the MACC discovered about RM170mil in cash in various currencies, along with 16kg of gold bars in a safe house during a raid.
On another corruption scandal, involving several Sabah state assemblymen linked to mineral mining licensing, Azam said investigations are expected to be completed in a week.
He said forensic reports had been obtained on 10 viral video recordings – including one that was released only yesterday.
“I expect it (the analysis results) to be ready in about a week. I’ve asked for updates; I don’t want this matter to be delayed,” he said.
“Everyone is asking why it’s taking so long. But we have to understand, this involves 10 videos, not just one. So we need to examine them very carefully.
Recently, several video recordings allegedly showing conversations involving bribery between certain individuals and several Sabah lawmakers related to mineral licensing in the state went viral.
Meanwhile, the whistleblower in the matter submitted nearly 300 pages of fresh evidence to the MACC yesterday.
His lawyer, Mahajoth Singh, said it included the new video, witness names, WhatsApp conversations, call logs, documents and a mobile phone containing original chat records.
