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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation into former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has only reached between 15 and 20 per cent completion, according to Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who described the inquiry as still being at an early stage due to the need for verifying declared documents and assets.
“So far, the investigation is only 15 to 20 per cent complete. He has made his declaration, but what is important for us is to confirm whether what has been declared is accurate or not,” Azam told the media.
He added that MACC plans to summon the Bera Member of Parliament again in approximately two weeks, as additional documentation has been requested from him.
“This case is ongoing and relates to the declaration of assets,” he said, explaining that cases of this nature typically take time, as the commission must gather various supporting documents and verify the source of the declared assets.
Azam also emphasised that any inaccuracies or omissions in the declaration could constitute an offence.
“It is the responsibility of the individual who receives a notice like this to explain the source of the assets and so on… in order to satisfy us as the agency that issued the notice,” he said.
Previously, it was reported that Ismail Sabri is under investigation over allegations of corruption and money laundering. The case is believed to be connected 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 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.
Azam also spoke on broader enforcement challenges during a recent shooting programme held between MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division and the Compliance Officers Networking Group (CONG).
He said MACC remains committed to working with financial institutions and regulatory bodies such as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), alongside enforcement agencies, to build a robust anti-corruption and anti-money laundering ecosystem.
“With the passage of time and the explosion of digital technology, the corruption and financial crime landscape has evolved with the use of digital assets, fraudulent investments, cross-border transactions and complex corporate structures,” he noted.
“Cunning and manipulative financial criminals take advantage of weaknesses in the enforcement system and legal loopholes to create organised and systematic crime networks, thus threatening the country’s stability,” Azam added.
MACC, he said, will continue to block the outflow of illicit funds and ensure the recovery of stolen assets, supported by strong partnerships with financial institutions.
He highlighted that MACC is investing in financial intelligence systems, developing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven detection technologies and carrying out stricter compliance audits in line with digital advancements to address increasingly sophisticated financial crimes. - April 29, 2025