PUTRAJAYA, March 14 — Former premier Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was questioned for a second consecutive day by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as part of an investigation into corruption and money laundering.
He spent six hours at the MACC headquarters, where he provided his statement in two sessions.
MACC sources said Ismail is expected to give his statement again on Monday (March 17).
He arrived at the MACC headquarters at 8.46am before leaving at 12.30pm for Friday prayers. As he exited, the Bera MP rolled down his car window halfway and waved to the press.
Ismail returned to the MACC office at 3.25pm and left the compound in his vehicle at 5.42pm.
He is being investigated over corruption and money laundering related to the expenditure and procurement of funds for the promotion and publicity of the Keluarga Malaysia programme during his tenure as prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022.
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 that Ismail was a suspect in the case.
This follows the discovery of approximately RM170 million in cash in various currencies and 16 kilogrammes of gold bars in a safe house during a MACC raid.
The MACC has also reportedly frozen 13 bank accounts to assist in the investigation.
Ismail had previously given a statement to the MACC in January last year regarding the use of RM700 million for government publicity during his administration.
On February 10 this year, he submitted his asset declaration before his statement was recorded on February 19.
Ismail was initially scheduled to appear on March 5 to provide his statement, but due to health issues, he was unable to do so and was issued a medical certificate.
He gave his statement yesterday after his medical leave ended on March 12.
Earlier, it was reported that the MACC had recorded statements from 32 witnesses and detained four of Ismail's former aides in connection with the investigation.
— Bernama
