KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 — The statement recording session involving former premier Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters, initially scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed to Thursday (March 13).
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the session, linked to a corruption and money laundering probe, could not proceed as planned as the Bera MP is still unwell.
“He was supposed to appear tomorrow (Friday), but the session could not proceed as he is still on sick leave,” he said when contacted here today.
Earlier, it was reported that the ex-prime minister was expected to be at the MACC headquarters at 10am tomorrow to give his statement regarding the corruption and money laundering case involving him.
On February 10, Ismail submitted his asset declaration before having his statement recorded on February 19.
Previously, Azam said that Ismail was a suspect in an investigation into corruption and money laundering following the discovery of approximately RM170 million in cash at a 'safehouse' during an MACC raid.
The investigation focuses on the expenditure and management of funds for promotional and publicity purposes during his tenure.
So far, the MACC has recorded statements from 31 individuals and frozen 13 bank accounts containing about RM2 million.
The commission has also reportedly seized about RM170 million in foreign currencies, including the Thai baht, Saudi riyal, British pound sterling, South Korean won, Euro, Swiss franc, and Chinese yuan, along with 16 kg of gold bars estimated to be worth almost RM7 million.
Meanwhile, a MACC source said the agency will record a statement from the doctor treating Ismail to ascertain his health condition, before he is summoned to give his statement on Thursday.
“The MACC is concerned about the former prime minister’s health and seeks to determine his medical condition, as he is still receiving treatment at the hospital,” it said when contacted today.
The former Umno vice-president was rushed to a private medical centre after suddenly collapsing at his home in the middle of the night on February 21.
— Bernama
