PUTRAJAYA, March 2 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that former premier Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is being investigated for corruption and money laundering.
It said the investigation focuses on expenditures and fund procurement for promotional and publicity purposes during Ismail's tenure as prime minister.
The probe is being conducted under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, it said.
“In line with this, the former Prime Minister was instructed to declare his assets under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009 on December 11, 2024, and the declaration was officially made on Feb 10,” the MACC said in a statement today.
It added that based on new information and intelligence, four senior officers who served under Ismail Sabri have been detained.
Following further investigations into these individuals, the MACC conducted searches at their residences and three other locations believed to be ‘safehouses’.
During the operations, the authorities seized about RM170 million in cash in various international currencies, including Thai Baht, Saudi Riyals, United Kingdom Pound Sterling, South Korean Won, Euros, Swiss Francs, and Chinese Yuan, as well as 16 kilogrammes of pure gold bullion estimated to be worth nearly RM7 million.
The MACC also confirmed that Ismail provided his statement on February 19, but did not rule out the possibility of summoning him again for further investigation.
“A total of 10 other witnesses have been identified and will be called in to assist in the investigation soon,” it said.
The MACC emphasised that the investigation is being conducted independently, professionally and following the law.
“MACC is committed to ensuring that any misconduct related to corruption and money laundering is dealt with firmly in the interest of the nation,” it said.
— Bernama
