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THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced that the recording of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement, originally scheduled for today, will now take place tomorrow.
This follows a delay in his attendance at the MACC headquarters regarding allegations of corruption and money laundering.
Bernama cited sources from the MACC revealing that Ismail Sabri was unable to appear for the statement recording session as planned. “Change to tomorrow...the time has not been set,” the source said briefly, offering no explanation for his absence.
Journalists had gathered outside the MACC building from as early as 9 am today, eagerly awaiting Ismail Sabri's arrival for his fifth statement, which has been requested as part of an ongoing investigation.
The probe into Ismail Sabri commenced on December 11, 2024, when he was ordered to declare his assets.
He formally submitted his asset declaration on February 10, and later appeared before the MACC on February 19 to provide his statement. Since then, he has been called in multiple times to assist with the investigation.
In the past week, Ismail Sabri has spent several hours at the MACC. On March 13, he was present for nearly five hours, followed by almost six hours the next day, and seven hours yesterday.
The focus of the investigation is on the spending and acquisition of funds related to the promotion and publicity of the Keluarga Malaysia programme during his tenure as Prime Minister between August 2021 and November 2022.
Yesterday, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki revealed that additional files had been opened in connection with the ongoing inquiry into Ismail Sabri.
The new information, sourced from the former Prime Minister’s political party, has led to further developments in the case. Azam confirmed that more matters would be submitted to Ismail Sabri for clarification.
The investigation is examining allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and money laundering.
Azam explained that the MACC’s inquiry extends beyond the original investigation into the Malaysian Family programme, incorporating intelligence gathered from recent investigations and the “new list” of potential leads.
The case is being pursued under both the MACC Act 2009 and the Prevention of Money Laundering, Prevention of Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Earlier, on March 3, Azam had confirmed that Ismail Sabri was officially a suspect in the case. This followed the discovery of approximately RM170 million in cash in various currencies, along with 16 kilograms of gold bars, which were found during a MACC raid on a safe house. - March 18, 2025